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Frankenstein’s Intertextuality
Definitions
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Merriam-Webster - the complex interrelationship between
a text and other texts taken as basic to the creation
or interpretation of the text
Dictionary.com the interrelationship between texts, especially works of lit
erature; the way that similar or related texts
.
influence, reflect, or differ from each other
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Wikipedia - Intertextuality is the shaping of a text's
meaning by another text. An example of intertextuality is
an author’s borrowing and transformation of a prior text
or to a reader’s referencing of one text in reading another.
Definition of Intertextuality
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‘Borrows’ ideas and themes from other media
forms
Can be borrowed from text, audio files,
movies, theatre etc.
Not to be associated with copyright, collusion
Various movies use intertextual references
Helps reader to better understand text
A Brief Outline
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Definition of intertextuality
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Examples of intertextual allusions within the
text
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Relation to the myth of Prometheus
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Relation to Milton’s Paradise Lost
The Myth Of Prometheus
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Prometheus was a Greek Titan.
He stole one of Zeus’ lightning bolts and gave humans
the gift of fire.
Prometheus was chained to a cliff and had an eagle
eat his liver every day; having it grow back at night as
punishment.
This is like Victor living with the regret of defying gods
will and bringing a dead thing back to life.
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God
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Satan
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Victor played God
Frankenstein neglected his creation
Milton’s Paradise Lost
Frankenstein’s monster was created benevolent
The creation defied his master
Adam
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Victor created life against natural order
The creation was in complete solitude
Conclusion
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Defined Intertextuality
Linked Prometheus Myth to novel
Linked Milton’s Paradise Lost to novel
Referenced other links in novel
Conclusion cont.
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Intertextuality borrows info from other texts
Prometheus suffers torture much like that of
Victor Frankenstein
Adam, Satan, god and their relation to the
novel.