Looking at Volume 1 of Frankenstein through the narrow restraints of Suvin’s definition of science fiction as “the literature of cognitive estrangement”, I think it is fair to say that Frankenstein can be considered a good example of science fiction. The use of a familiar environment for the characters, in the story being fleshed out through the use of letters and journals sets the reader up in a world that is believable compared to our common knowledge of history but also foreign when related to our time vs the time of the events. In it’s day it was the current culture of the world but is not so alien as to be wholly unbelievable by any future readers. The script also relies upon major past authors of some historical note to provide itself with scientific and literary credibility and setup a platform from which to launch the story into its scientific and estranging plot. This however is where my statement of Frankenstein as a good example can be debated because when touching on the subject of how the abomination in Frankenstein is created, at least so far in the story, it has escaped giving the details scientifically by saying the secret is too dangerous to be shared. I personally don’t think that constitutes it automatically to be considered a fantasy story. Because leading up that bit of the text the narrator mentions that through careful use of his practical knowledge and careful study he finds the secret to animating lifeless mass. Thus offering albeit a poor explanation of how Frankenstein worked but enough to satisfy the less inquisitive reader and allow them to progress into the new unknown of the story created by these circumstances. Normally I’d say mysterious forces just bringing things to life would classify this as fantasy but because the power is addressed to some degree as some unbeknownst principal of science I’m willing to let it slide.
Summarily so far I think the story sufficiently has immersed me in a world I don’t quite recognize but in a world which allows for weird and strange events to seem believable.
Thanks for reading,
Michael Carroll