Frankenstein Day (August 30)

One weird holiday on August 30th is Frankenstein Day. Check out the other bizarre days in August!

Frankenstein Day, celebrated on August 30th, honors the birthday of Mary Shelley, the author of one of the most influential novels of the 19th century, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.”

This day pays tribute to her groundbreaking work, which has left a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.

Shelley’s novel is not only a cornerstone of Gothic literature but also a seminal text in the science fiction genre, exploring themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of man’s desire to play God.

Read on to learn more about Frankenstein Day and its history, and get fun recipes and activities to celebrate.

When is Frankenstein Day?

Frankenstein Day is on August 30th, which is the anniversary of Mary Shelley’s birthday.

Who Invented Frankenstein Day?

Frankenstein Day, celebrated on August 30th to mark Mary Shelley’s birthday, does not have a well-documented origin regarding who specifically created or established it as a holiday.

Like many literary-themed days, it likely emerged organically among fans of Shelley’s work, literary scholars, and educational institutions as a way to honor her contributions to literature and to celebrate her iconic creation, Frankenstein.

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The Legacy of Mary Shelley

Born on August 30, 1797, Mary Shelley was the daughter of political philosopher William Godwin and feminist activist Mary Wollstonecraft. Despite the early death of her mother, Shelley was brought up in an environment filled with intellectual discussions about literature, philosophy, and ideas, shaping her into a prolific writer.

“Frankenstein” was published anonymously in 1818 when Shelley was just 20 years old, and since then, it has grown to be recognized as one of the most profound literary works ever written.

The idea for “Frankenstein” came to Shelley in a dream, during a summer spent with Percy Shelley (whom she later married), Lord Byron, and others near Geneva, Switzerland. During a session of ghost storytelling, Byron proposed that each person present should write a horror story. This challenge led Mary to conceive what would become “Frankenstein.”

“Frankenstein” delves into the ethics of scientific discovery and creation, themes that resonate deeply in today’s technological and scientifically advanced world.

The novel addresses the moral implications of creating life and the responsibilities that come with such power. Its exploration of isolation, humanity, and the repercussions of ambition are as relevant now as they were in Shelley’s time.

Clarifying Frankenstein vs. Frankenstein’s Monster

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is the identity of Doctor Victor Frankenstein himself. Many people mistakenly refer to the monster as “Frankenstein,” when in fact, Frankenstein is the surname of the scientist who created the monster. This mix-up has persisted in popular culture, leading to confusion about the characters and their roles in the novel.

Victor Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein is an ambitious young scientist who is the protagonist of Shelley’s novel. He is obsessed with discovering the secret to creating life and, through a combination of chemistry, alchemy, and electricity, brings to life a creature made from body parts of the deceased.

Frankenstein’s actions are driven by a thirst for knowledge and his desire to defy natural boundaries, but he is ultimately horrified by the results of his experiment.

The Creature (Frankenstein’s Monster): The creature created by Victor Frankenstein is often incorrectly called “Frankenstein” in cultural references and casual conversation. However, in Shelley’s text, the creature is never actually given a name.

He is referred to as “the creature,” “the monster,” “the demon,” “the wretch,” and other epithets throughout the novel. The creature is highly intelligent and quickly learns to speak and read, but his grotesque appearance and the rejection he faces from society drive him to seek revenge against his creator.

Fun Facts About Frankenstein

First Science Fiction Novel: Many critics consider “Frankenstein” to be the first true science fiction novel because of its structured, scientific approach to reanimation.
Pop Culture Icon: The Frankenstein monster is one of the most recognized figures in global pop culture, appearing in hundreds of movies, television shows, and books.
Written During a Volcanic Winter: “Frankenstein” was conceived during the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816. This unusual climate event was caused by the massive eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia in 1815, which led to global temperature drops and abnormal weather patterns. Mary Shelley started writing “Frankenstein” during a stay near Lake Geneva, where she and her companions, including Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, were confined indoors by the incessant rain and cold.
Mary Shelley’s Age: Mary Shelley was just 18 years old when she began writing “Frankenstein,” and the novel was published when she was 20, demonstrating her profound literary talent at a young age. Her work is often noted for its maturity and depth, exploring complex themes that resonate with adult and scholarly audiences.
Inspiration from Galvanism: The idea of reanimating dead tissue with electricity, known as galvanism, heavily influenced Shelley. The concept was named after Luigi Galvani, an Italian physician who discovered in the 1780s that the muscles of dead frogs twitched when struck by a spark of electricity. This scientific backdrop provided a plausible foundation for Victor Frankenstein’s experiments in the novel.
The Novel’s Full Title: The full title of Shelley’s work is “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” This subtitle links Victor Frankenstein to Prometheus, a Titan from Greek mythology who defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity. The story parallels Victor’s defiance of natural laws to bestow life upon the dead, highlighting themes of overreaching ambition and subsequent punishment.

Celebrating Frankenstein Day

Frankenstein Day can be celebrated in various engaging and educational ways:

Read or Re-read the Novel: Dive into the pages of “Frankenstein” to understand Shelley’s masterpiece firsthand.
Movie Marathon: Watch various adaptations of “Frankenstein.” Each film offers a different interpretation of Shelley’s story, from Boris Karloff’s iconic portrayal to the more comedic take in “Young Frankenstein.”
Host a Discussion Group or Book Club: Gather friends or community members to discuss the themes, implications, and moral questions raised in “Frankenstein.”
Visit Local Libraries or Bookshops: Many will host special readings or themed events to celebrate Mary Shelley’s birthday and her contributions to literature.
Creative Writing Challenge: Inspired by how “Frankenstein” came to be, write your own short story based on a modern reinterpretation of the Frankenstein legend.

Frankenstein Day not only commemorates Mary Shelley’s birth but also celebrates her indelible impact on literature and popular culture. Her novel “Frankenstein” challenges readers to consider the limits of human creativity and the ethical weight of scientific discovery.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Shelley’s work, August 30th provides a perfect opportunity to honor her legacy and the timeless creature she created.