“Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it” is a quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the novel which spurred my love of research and people in a new direction as I explored my academic voice through my undergraduate thesis. This passion for exploring human instincts and connection quickly led me to a master's degree, also in literature. In my current role as higher education staff, I sit uniquely between graduate students and faculty in a position that provides … [Read more...] about Faithful Presence: Frankenstein’s Hospitality
Frankenstein
Science Corner: The Making of a Monster
This year is the bicentennial of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus, a landmark of science fiction and Gothic literature. I've already touched on the book earlier this summer while discussing Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom (a follow-up to my coverage of Jurassic World. But after reading Mike Stell's great review last week, I couldn't pass up the opportunity for one last look at the book, especially on Halloween. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Making of a Monster
Book Review: Frankenstein
This year marks the 200th anniversary of one of my favorite books – Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Actually, its full title is Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus. And that is a good reminder that this novel is really about Frankenstein the man, not about his creation. Frankenstein is the one who steals from the gods (God?) the ability to create life from that which is lifeless. And, as long as we are clearing up misconceptions, the novel is not about re-animating the dead, as is often popularly shown in the movies, … [Read more...] about Book Review: Frankenstein
Science Corner: Ashes to Ashes, But What of Synthetic Dinosaurs?
This reflection on the themes of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom avoids spoilers, but as always feel free to wait until you've seen the movie if you want to know nothing about it when watching. It is widely reported that an asteroid strike 65 million years ago caused dinosaurs to go extinct, although a variety of hypotheses including widespread volcanic eruptions remain plausible as alternatives. In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, there is no doubt that a single volcano could wipe out the small cluster of de-extinct … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Ashes to Ashes, But What of Synthetic Dinosaurs?
Science Corner: Lightning in a Novel
Twenty five years after the original Jurassic Park film brought photo-realistic digital dinosaurs to the big screen, the latest entry in the franchise opens this weekend. While covering the previous film, I brought up Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the influence it has on the Jurassic stories and also our perception of science, especially biology. This year is also the 200th anniversary of that novel, first published in 1818 when Shelley was just 20. In honor of that milestone, several universities have put it on their … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Lightning in a Novel