Frankenstein or Frankenstein's monster?

Newspapers in Bangladesh are often found to quote various individuals and organisations saying that 'Frankensteins' are being created in the country due to maladministration or abuse of power by the authorities. But if fact-checking is performed, it is seen that the comparison is not appropriate, as it emanates from a misconception.
In fact, the name 'Frankenstein' was coined by the English writer Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) - the wife of the famous English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley - in her novel 'Frankenstein Or, The Modern Prometheus' (first edition 1818, second edition 1831). In that novel, Victor Frankenstein was a dedicated scientist who created a beast or monster by applying his scientific knowledge after discovering the secret of life's creation. But when Frankenstein did not create a mate for the monster as demanded by it, the monster killed his brother William, closest friend Henry, and his lover cum wife Elizabeth one by one. After that, a vengeful Frankenstein started chasing the monster in his bid to kill it. However, Frankenstein himself died on a ship bound for the north pole during this chase owing to severe illness. This time the monster became very remorseful, and wishing his own death, drifted away on an ice-raft bound for the North Pole. In this way, the monster destroyed his creator Frankenstein as well as his near and dear ones.
Therefore, it is quite clear from the above that the term 'Frankenstein's monster' should be used instead of the word 'Frankenstein' while making relevant comparisons.

Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed
36, Siddeswari Lane, Dhaka-1217.
[email protected]