Throughout 2018, fans from across the globe will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” (1818), a seminal literary work that has influenced and inspired millions of people including novelists, filmmakers, playwrights, artists, scientists, cultural theorists, philosophers and novice readers. It is the most widely taught literary text in the United States and the fifth most widely taught book from any discipline. The novel addresses many issues that remain relevant today, such as the consequences of biomedical technology, misperceptions and misrepresentations of the “Other,” defining humanness and scientific ethics.
To celebrate “Frankenstein” at 200 at Appalachian State University, the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences has planned a series of “Frankenstein” films at the Greenbriar Theater in the Plemmons Student Union (all showings begin at 7 p.m.; admission fee is $1), as well as a panel discussion and “Coffee with Franky” in Sanford Hall. All events are open to the campus and community.
Wednesday, Oct. 17 – “Frankenstein” (1931), featuring Boris Karloff’s iconic performance as the creature.
Friday, Oct. 19 – “Frankenstein” (1931)”
Wednesday, Oct. 24 – “The Bride of Frankenstein (1935),” followed by “Frankenstein: The Debut of the World’s Most Famous Movie Monster,” a panel discussion with horror film aficionados Craig Fischer and Toney Frazier.
Friday, Oct. 26 – “The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)”
Wednesday, Oct. 31 – Coffee hour celebrating 200 years of “Frankenstein” on Halloween from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. in the third floor lounge of Sanford Hall. There will be a door prize and a trivia quiz.
Wednesday, Oct. 31 – “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)”
Friday, Nov. 2 – “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)”
For other events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the publication of “Frankenstein,” check out the “Frankenreads” website at https://frankenreads.org/events.
Image sourced from Classic Horror Movie Posters.
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About the Department of English
The Department of English at Appalachian State University is committed to outstanding work in the classroom, the support and mentorship of students, and a dynamic engagement with culture, history, language, theory and literature. The department offers master’s degrees in English and rhetoric and composition, as well as undergraduate degrees in literary studies, film studies, creative writing, professional writing and English education. Learn more at https://english.appstate.edu.
Frankenstein movie poster, sourced from Classic Horror Movie posters (https://www.classichorrorposters.com/shop/11x17-inch-mini-posters/frankenstein-1931-movie-poster-mini-poster-style-c/)
Frankenstein movie poster, sourced from Classic Horror Movie posters (https://www.classichorrorposters.com/shop/11x17-inch-mini-posters/frankenstein-1931-movie-poster-mini-poster-style-c/)