Comparative Exploration of ‘Frankenstein’ Novel and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ Anime (2003).pptx

This presentation elucidates notable thematic similarities between Mary Shelley's 1818 Gothic novel "Frankenstein" and the widely acclaimed 2003 anime series "Fullmetal Alchemist." Despite the considerable temporal and genre distinctions between these works, profound thematic parallels are identified.
Both narratives explore contentious scientific experiments and their unintended repercussions. Victor Frankenstein boldly engages in the creation of artificial life through the reanimation of deceased tissue, disregarding societal norms in his obsessive pursuit. Similarly, accomplished alchemists Edward and Alphonse Elric venture into human transmutation, seeking to resurrect their deceased mother and blatantly violating a longstanding alchemical prohibition.

1. Comparative Exploration of ‘Frankenstein’ Novel and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ Anime (2003)

2. Academic Details Presented By - Aakash Chavda Roll No. - 1 Paper:103 - Literature of The Romantic Period Topic - Comparative Exploration of ‘Frankenstein’ Novel and ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ Anime (2003) Submitted To - S. B. Gardi, Department of English, M.K.B.U. E-mail Id - [email protected]

3. Background Information ‘Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus’ is gothic sci-fi novel published in 1818 by Mary Shelley. Mary Shelley tells the story of a brilliant young scientist, Victor Frankenstein, who succeeds in fulfilling the dream of creating life from inert matter. (Ziolkowski) ‘Fullmetal Alchemist’(2003) is a Japanese anime directed by Seiji Mizushima, that aired from october 2003 to october 2004, and was adopted from the manga series of the same name authored and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. (Boyce) The story follows a pair of teenage brothers and their quest for Philosopher’s stone in order to reverse the consequences of their action.

4. Key Words Alchemy - ‘a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of the universal cure for disease, and a discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life.’ (Merriam-Webster) Chimera - ‘an imaginary monster compounded of incongruous parts.’ (Merriam-Webster) Manga - ‘Japanese comic books and graphic novels considered collectively as a genre.’ (Merriam-Webster)

5. Homunculus Culture The term homunculus is Latin for ‘Little Man’. Which has historical roots in alchemy. Homunculus is a small germ cell or sperm to have the capacity to increase in size, giving rise to adult human.(Baugh) Paracelsus was the first to use the word ‘Homunculus’ around 1572 in context of alchemy. The homunculus has had a colourful history in Arab-Islamic and European cultures. In medieval and early modern times, it was commonly used to refer to artificial humanlike being that people thought could be created through alchemy. (Baugh) In modern literature, movies, and other fictional works, the term is often used to describe artificially created human beings.

6. Homunculus in Fullmetal Alchemist In Fullmetal Alchemist homunculi are artificially created human. Each representing Seven Deadly Sins, the primary human flaws.

7. Creation of Monster Victor Frankenstein’s early obsession with the arcane researches of Albertus Magnus and Paracelsus is notable, and these studies culminate in the construction of a huge, hideous, yellow eyed creature into which he manages to “infuse a spark of being” (Ziolkowski) In anime, there are but two example of creators who creates the monster or tries to practice forbidden alchemy theories. The Elric brothers attempt to bring back their dead mother by using prohibited alchemy known as Human Transmutation, but are not successful and suffers consequences. (Episode 03, “Mother”, 2003) Another example is the state alchemist and researcher Dr. Shou Tucker, who produced chimera—a monster by combining his daughter’s body and her pet dog. (Episode 07, “Night of Chimera’s Cry”, 2003)

8. Monsters in One Frame Frankenstein Shou Tucker Human Transmutation Monster

9. Consequences of the Creation Victor Frankenstein, pursued his goal in the dangerous haste and with egotist myopia, for all the best reason, he wished to create a new and improved human type. (Roszak) But the creature he creates is so foul that he abandons it on the very night when he brings it to life, lusting for vengeance, the creature kills all those who are dear to Frankenstein. In anime, Elric brothers while performing alchemy to bring their mother back to life there is a rebound, Edward loses his leg and arm, Alphonse loses his physical body, and his soul is bound to a suit of armor. (Boyce)

10. Pursuit of Knowledge A Promethean answer, one that reminds us that the free pursuit of knowledge is, after all, a supreme value, a need of mind as urgent as the body’s need for food.(Roszak) From the beginning Frankenstein is deeply smitten with the thirst of knowledge. Dr. Shou Tucker, a state alchemist has attempted to a advance his military career by making a talking chimera, using the body of his daughter and their family pet dog.( Gallacher ) Elric brothers were firmly determined to bring back their dead mother to life and for that, they both had sacrificed their childhood in reading different alchemy books and learning various alchemy techniques. (Episode 05, “The Man with the Mechanical Arm”, 2003)

11. Responsibility and The Role of Humanity The creature, while ugly, is by no means inherently evil. According to Mary, scientific discovery becomes evil only when the scientist refuses to assume responsibility for his creation. (Ziolkowski) When creature first born he is introduced to the world in the most heartless of ways. “The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil” (Shelley) Every good act by monster rewarded with horror and violence by society, terrified at the creature’s appearance. (Ziolkowski) Fullmetal Alchemist serves as an example of human hubris in the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. Elric brothers highlights the importance of human relationship and empathy.

12. Influence and Legacy “Frankenstein” novel had profound impact on literature and popular culture, contributing ongoing discussion about science and ethics. (Goldberg) It gave the most enduring archetypes of ‘Mad Scientist’ and ‘Creature Created by Science’. Story of ‘Frankenstein’ is revised and retold countless time in movies. We can observe widespread influence of Fullmetal Alchemist across different form of media, the manga and anime adaptation has earned critical acclaim, praised for its plot and philosophical exploration.

13. Adaptations of “Frankenstein” Movie - 1931 Movie - 1935 Movie - 1994

14. Adaptations of “Fullmetal Alchemist” Movie Video game Fan-fiction (2017)

15. Conclusion Both the works delve into the moral, ethical and existential dilemmas, revolving around the theme of forbidden scientific exploration. Offers a moral critique of scientific ambitions of Victor, Dr. Tucker, and Elric brothers.

16. References BOYCE, Hope L., "THE PERPETUAL REMINDER: A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE BEGINNING AND END OF THE FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST (2003) ANIME SERIES BY HIROMU ARAKAWA" (2021). Communication Theses. Paper 3. http://hdl.handle.net/10950/3676 Baugh, Sue. “Homunculus | Description, History, Models, & Importance.” Britannica , 14 September 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/homunculus-biology . Accessed 24 October 2023. Goldberg, M. A. “Moral and Myth in Mrs. Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein.’” Keats-Shelley Journal , vol. 8, 1959, pp. 27–38. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/30210049 . Accessed 24 Oct. 2023. Gallacher, Lesley-Anne. “(Fullmetal) Alchemy: The Monstrosity of Reading Words and Pictures in Shonen Manga.” Cultural Geographies , vol. 18, no. 4, 2011, pp. 457–73. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/44251433 . Accessed 24 Oct. 2023.

17. O'Malley, Anna. “Frankenstein: The True Monster.” Owlcation , 28 June 2023, https://owlcation.com/humanities/Frankenstein-Invention-vs-Inventor . Accessed 24 October 2023. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. “Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.” Project Gutenberg , 23 November 2012, https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41445 . Accessed 31 October 2023. Roszak, Theodore. “The Monster and the Titan: Science, Knowledge, and Gnosis.” Daedalus , vol. 103, no. 3, 1974, pp. 17–32. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/20024217 . Accessed 24 Oct. 2023. Ziolkowski, Theodore. “Science, Frankenstein, and Myth.” The Sewanee Review , vol. 89, no. 1, 1981, pp. 34–56. JSTOR , http://www.jstor.org/stable/27543797 . Accessed 24 Oct. 2023.

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