The book version of this story by Mary Shelley certainly does challenge the common stereotypes, and also from what we’d expect from Frankenstein. First, the majority of the people who know about Frankenstein, think that this is the name of the creature when it really isn’t. The name refers to Dr. Victor Frankenstein, the main character of the novel. In fact, even some more kid-friendly versions of this story introduce the creature as being called Frankenstein. For example, when I was in Grade 4 I bought a graphic novel version of Frankenstein, which did exactly this, and referred to the creature as being Frankenstein.

The second common stereotype that has been challenged is the appearance of the creature itself. In a lot of movie adaptations of this novel, Frankenstein’s monster has 2 bolts sticking out of his neck. Furthermore, he is also green. This is not true, as I’ve come to realize from reading this novel as he is described as being yellowish. Additionally, he was comprised of normal, dead human body parts meaning that he did not have a flat square head. Finally, the 2 bolts so commonly associated with him, have never been mentioned, or even alluded to.

Finally, the third major stereotype is the creature’s intelligence. In a lot of movie adaptations, and more kid-friendly adaptations also, the creature is seen as ‘stupid’. He is portrayed as a dumb monster when he really isn’t. After fleeing from Victor, the monster goes and hides in the forest where he learns from a small group of humans. He learns how to speak, and in fact he is quite intelligent in the book. In fact, he had over a year to learn the language, and all about humans as he only met Victor Frankenstein after over a year.