Human Hybris and the Desire for Immortality – A Theological Approach to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Description

Dark nights, forbidden experiments, and the creation of a being that becomes the doom of its creator: Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" or "The Modern Prometheus" (1818) is one of the most famous Gothic novels in world literature. To this day, the novel fascinates with its existential questions and its pressing relevance. On All Souls' Day, a day of remembrance for the deceased, this evening is dedicated to one of the most striking stories about crossing the boundary between life and death. "I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend." With these words, Frankenstein's creature describes its journey from an innocent being to a monster. But who is the true monster – the creature or its creator? Behind the dark plot lies a profound engagement with human hybris. Victor Frankenstein creates life but does not take responsibility for his work. The novel raises questions that are more relevant than ever today: Where are the limits of scientific feasibility? May humans strive for immortality? What happens if they seize divine creator power? And ultimately, what makes a human – body, mind, or soul? In the tension between Gothic literature, theology, and ethics, the great questions of human existence meet. Program: Introduction to the Frankenstein story A brief introduction to the origin, history, and central themes of the novel by PD Dr. Zoe Lehmann Imfeld. Scenic reading Actor Marc Clear reads selected passages from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in the original English language, bringing the dark atmosphere of the novel to life. Open discussion Literary scholar Dr. Zoë Lehmann Imfeld explores the theological depths of the Frankenstein story and shows why the questions of the novel have not lost their relevance to this day. Participants: PD Dr. Zoë Lehmann Imfeld is a private lecturer in English literature at the University of Bern. She researches Victorian Gothic and fantastic literature as well as the interfaces between literature and theology. For her dissertation on the theology of Victorian ghost stories, she was awarded the Marie Heim-Vögtlin Prize by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Marc Clear is an actor, singer, and director with many years of stage experience. He has played, among other roles, the title role in "Jekyll & Hyde" and the mysterious occultist Cagliostro in "Marie Antoinette." With his experience in portraying uncanny characters, he has the ideal qualifications to bring Dr. Frankenstein and his creature to life. Moderation: Mathias Arbogast, theologian, guides the evening and moderates the discussion on the big questions raised by Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein": creation and responsibility, humanity and monstrosity, as well as death and the longing for immortality. After the event, all guests are invited to a reception. A collaboration between the Catholic Church Region Bern and the Kornhaus Libraries. Source: Kornhaus Library
License: CC BY-SA 4.0