Mary Shelley: The Dr Frankenstein of Discourse
Presentation
Bedford, Alison. 2015. "Mary Shelley: The Dr Frankenstein of Discourse." School of Arts and Communication Post-Graduate Colloquium. Toowoomba, Australia 15 Jul 2015 Toowoomba, Australia.
| Paper/Presentation Title | Mary Shelley: The Dr Frankenstein of Discourse |
|---|---|
| Presentation Type | Presentation |
| Authors | |
| Author | Bedford, Alison |
| Year | 2015 |
| Place of Publication | Toowoomba, Australia |
| Conference/Event | School of Arts and Communication Post-Graduate Colloquium |
| Event Details | School of Arts and Communication Post-Graduate Colloquium Event Date 15 Jul 2015 Event Location Toowoomba, Australia |
| Abstract | Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818, 1831) has long been regarded as the foundational text of the science fiction genre. In this paper, I argue that this assertion holds a number of significant consequences for the way in which we understand both the novel and its author. Through a close reading of the two primary editions of Frankenstein I will show that by narrativising contemporary science, Shelley created a new space for moralising in an increasingly secular world. More importantly, however, in creating this space Shelley becomes what Michel Foucault terms a 'founder of discourse'. This recognition allows us to assign Mary Shelley a significance not currently recognised in literary criticism and so offers a new lens through which to consider not only Mary Shelley but the function of science fiction as a whole. |
| Keywords | Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, science fiction, genre, discourse |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 470504. British and Irish literature |
| 470527. Popular and genre literature | |
| 470514. Literary theory | |
| Public Notes | File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author. |
| Byline Affiliations | University of Southern Queensland |
| Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
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