Frankenstein: Text vs. Folklore

       Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has influenced many scary stories, movies, books, and ideas with her novel.  There are many myths about the creature Frankenstein created.  Probably the biggest is the thought that Frankenstein was the monster's name.  Frankenstein was actually the creator's name.  Many people believe that the monster was green, had scars and stitches, had a square head, had bolts coming out of his head, and had some human characteristics.  In reality Frankenstein described the monster as, "...yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of lustrous black, and flowing; his teeth of pearly whiteness...his shriveled complexion and straight black lips," (Shelley,35).  This excerpt describes the physical aspects of the monster.  Another folklore aspect of the monster is that he had no emotions; in the original story he had very human emotions and desires, such as companionship and acceptance.  In the movies the creator is depicted as an evil scientist who screams "It's alive!" at the creation of the monster.  In the original, Frankenstein is appalled and disgusted with his creation and fears anyone finding out.  Mary Shelley's novel influenced many different mediums.