“Frankenstein was the name of the monster”

Many people commonly refer to the monstrous creation in Mary Shelley's classic novel as Frankenstein (Review). However, in the original 1818 literary work, Frankenstein is actually the surname of the ambitious and ultimately tragic scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who brings the creature to life through scientific experimentation. The being he animates is never given a name by its creator or within the narrative itself, often being referred to simply as "the creature," "the monster," or "the daemon."

This widespread misconception largely stems from the numerous adaptations of Shelley's story over the centuries. Early stage plays and particularly the iconic 1931 Universal Pictures film, starring Boris Karloff as the creature, played a significant role in popularizing this misattribution. In these adaptations, the creature became so synonymous with its creator's name that "Frankenstein" became a convenient shorthand for the monster itself, especially in promotional materials and common parlance, simplifying the complex themes of the original novel.

The creature's anonymity in the novel contributes significantly to this enduring mix-up. Shelley deliberately left her creation unnamed, emphasizing its status as an outcast, rejected by its creator and society, and struggling with its own identity. Without a distinct moniker, the public naturally gravitated towards the most prominent name associated with the story – Frankenstein – effectively transferring the creator's identity to his creation in popular culture. This simplification has unfortunately overshadowed the profound themes of identity, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked ambition explored in Shelley's original literary masterpiece.