Was Victor Frankenstein a Jew?

Introduction

Victor Frankenstein is a well-known character from Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Many readers and scholars have speculated about his cultural and religious background. Despite no explicit mention of Frankenstein's Judaism in the original novel, the narrative and its connections to Jewish folklore invite intriguing interpretations. This article delves into these speculations while exploring the historical and cultural context that may inspire such interpretations.

Historical Context and Fictional Background

German Origin and Christian Identity

Victor Frankenstein is primarily a German character in Mary Shelley's novel. He is also presumed to be Christian. While his given name might sound Jewish, many Jewish names are of German origin, making it important to differentiate between cultural and religious identities. In Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, there is no textual evidence to suggest that Frankenstein is Jewish. The character's religious background is not explicitly defined and largely reflects his cultural heritage and setting.

Young Frankenstein – A Jewish Twist?

Speculation in Film

In the 1974 film Young Frankenstein, the character is portrayed in a more whimsical manner. The director, Mel Brooks, knowingly integrates Jewish cultural elements, such as Yiddish slang, into the character. Furthermore, the actor, Gene Wilder, is Jewish. This Jewish flavor adds layers of meaning to the character, making him appear more relatable and accessible to a broader audience while adhering to a modern, comedic interpretation.

The Influence of Jewish Folklore

Connections to Golem Traditions

While Mary Shelley's original novel does not explicitly mention Frankenstein's Judaism, the character's creation and its subsequent narrative aligns closely with Jewish folklore, particularly the legend of the Golem. The Talmud references Adam, the first man created from clay, and the Golem, a monster created from clay. In the story of Frankenstein's monster, there are reminiscent elements, which invite Jewish interpretation.

Jewish Folklore and Frankenstein's Monster

According to Jewish folklore, Rabbi often create Golems from clay to serve as protectors or helpers. The Golem requires a written word, such as 'Shem' (one of God's names), to be given an intellect and purpose. Without the 'Shem', the Golem can become destructive. Similarly, Frankenstein's monster lacks direction, education, and love, leading him to see humanity as his enemy. This parallel draws a connection between Frankenstein's monster and the concept of the Golem, implying a deeper, cultural association.

A visual representation of Frankenstein's Monster.

Interpreting Frankenstein's Jewish Identity

Golem Metaphor and Frankenstein's Narrative

Frankenstein's monster can be seen as a Golem without the 'Shem'. Like a Golem, Frankenstein's creature lacks the intellectual and spiritual guidance provided by the 'Shem', leading to destructive behavior. This interpretation suggests a broader cultural and religious context beyond the explicit Jewish identity of the character. The story of Frankenstein's monster, therefore, echoes Jewish folk law, allowing for an exploration of Frankenstein's potential Jewish identity.

Conclusion

Exploring Cultural and Religious Dynamics in Frankenstein

This exploration of Victor Frankenstein's potential Jewish identity highlights the complex interplay between cultural and religious traditions in the narrative. While the novel does not explicitly state his religious background, the connections to Jewish folklore and the character's behavior suggest a deeper, allegorical significance. These interpretations encourage a more nuanced understanding of the text and its cultural influences, inviting readers to consider the broader implications of the story.

Images and references used in this article are for illustrative purposes only. For more information, please consult the original sources and additional academic literature.