Program to explore Mary Shelley’s monster

BRUNSWICK – From Boris Karloff to Mel Brooks, “Frankenstein” has proved its power again and again to draw viewers into the tale of an obsessed scientist who “creates” human life only to see his creation turn against him.

The Maine Humanities Council will hold its 2002 Winter Weekend March 1-2 on “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: The Long Life of a Monster.” Participants will study the origins of the tale and discuss its modern ramifications. The program will take place at Bowdoin College in Brunswick.

Shelley’s novel tells the story of a young medical student, Victor Frankenstein, who uses the newly discovered power of electricity to reanimate a body he has sewn together from human parts. He succeeds beyond all expectations, but his monster turns violent when its search for human affection is rejected.

From 19th century stage depictions to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” this story has proved extraordinarily popular. The seminar will explore the roots of this popularity through a series of scholarly presentations on such subjects as the Gothic genre novel, Mary Shelley’s feminism, the history of 19th century science and psychology, and the modern debate of bioethics. The weekend includes small group discussions, two meals, a reception, and a dramatization of the novel. Copies of the book and related readings are provided beforehand.

The program begins at 5 p.m. Friday, March 1, and ends at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Cost is $200 per person, which includes a $35 tax-deductible donation to the council’s reading programs for at-risk youth. For details or to register, call (207) 773-5051 or see www.mainehumanities.org

This will be the fifth Humanities Winter Weekend, an annual event that brings together serious general readers from around the state to discuss important texts. Teachers are encouraged to apply. CEUs are available.