From science to cinema, ‘Frankenstein’ explored

The scientist conjures artificial life in the lab, but cannot bring himself to take responsibility for what he has done.

This infamous conundrum is at the center of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” a novel first published in 1818. The book, now firmly entrenched in the cultural idiom, has inspired stage plays, films, other books, art and, of course, countless Halloween costumes. From Wednesday, Sept. 1-Friday, Oct. 15, the UW Libraries Department of Special Collections will host “Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature,” a traveling exhibition developed by the National Library of Medicine, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association.

The exhibition will stop at Memorial Library through the efforts of Yvonne Schofer, the library’s English language humanities bibliographer. She says that the novel’s longevity may be due in large part to the intellectual issues it raises as well as its corking good storyline.

“The book raises critical questions about the nature of being human, social and individual responsibilities to the human community, the role of science in civilization and culture, the issue of responsibility in disseminating scientific knowledge, and the use and abuse of scientific power and the implications for society,” Schofer says.

The exhibition features six sections dealing with the literary, scientific and political contexts that gave rise to the novel. In addition, complementary exhibits from Special Collections and Ebling Library holdings will showcase UW–Madison’s collections.

“Once underestimated as a work of literature, the novel now is receiving serious consideration in academic environments,” Schofer says. “‘Frankenstein’ endures because it is impossible to assign a specific meaning to the story.”

Nonetheless, several distinguished scholars will offer insights into the work during the exhibition’s run. First is Susan Lederer, curator of the exhibition and an associate professor of the history of medicine at Yale University. She will speak Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. in 126 Memorial Library.

The Center for the Humanities also will present a day-long symposium on Frankenstein on Friday, Oct. 8, in 6191 Helen C. White Hall. Featured will be papers by UW–Madison faculty and graduate students.

Preceding the symposium will be a special lecture on Thursday, Oct. 7, by Maureen McLane of Harvard University on “Literate Science, or the Limits of the Human: Frankenstein and the End of the Humanities.” Her talk will begin at 5 p.m. in L140 Elvehjem Museum.

Cinematheque, UW–Madison’s student-run film society, also will show a rare print of the silent German film “Der Golem” on Friday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in 4070 Vilas Hall. The film inspired James Whale, director of the classic 1931 version of “Frankenstein,” and some of the most-remembered scenes in Whale’s film replicate scenes from “Der Golem.” The evening also will feature live piano accompaniment by Matan Rubinstein, former director of music at the Jerusalem Film Festival.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibition, contact Schofer at (608) 262-3242, 262-3244 or yschofer@library.wisc.edu.