Ruminations on our relationship with technology
Modern Myths, Mechanical Monsters In ancient and medieval times, mythological monsters were typically beasts, such as giants or dragons. In today’s mythical stories, most notably in science fiction films, monsters are commonly machines. Really, the Frankenstein monster was the first of these mythic, machine-like creatures, though a long line of mechanical monsters—from cyborgs to Artificial … Read more
When innovation goes wrong Technological innovation is the lifeblood of our society, but at what point does it go wrong? According to Mary Shelley’s mythic story, Frankenstein, it’s when we’re no longer able to control our inventions. In Shelley’s myth, Victor Frankenstein learns this lesson after the machine-like creature he recklessly invents spins out of control … Read more
Visions of Frankenstein Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is no doubt one of my favorite novels. It marks the dawn of a new era: a modern mythology in media, known as science fiction. Published in 1818, familiarity with the plot endures thanks to Hollywood. When a mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein, discovers how to reanimate dead matter, … Read more