Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

English (Ph.D.)

Department

English

First Advisor

Steven Mentz

Second Advisor

Christopher Vogt

Third Advisor

Nicole Rice

Abstract

This dissertation argues that looking at social issues, such as racism, adverse effects of advancement in and use of science and technology, and environmental concerns, in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein through a Catholic Social Teaching (CST) lens enables an understanding of the nature of humans that brings marginalized and non-marginalized creatures, both human and non-human in a common community and emphasizes and that our behaviors towards such creations are what define our humanity and are vital to the preservation of our environment, subjects that are as relevant today as they were when Shelley first published Frankenstein in 1818 and when the Church initiated CST in 1891. To set the foundation for Frankenstein and CST, chapter one concentrates on influences for both. Paradise Lost and an allusion to parts of the Bible were used as a framework for Frankenstein. In addition, the social atmosphere of Shelley’s time is highlighted to illustrate that she was motivated by her own experiences and insights. Chapter one will also emphasize the influences for CST, which include the Bible and social injustices. Chapter two analyses the monster, metaphorically and literally, and through the lens of CST. Chapters three and four shed light on the harmful effects and use of science and technology and Artificial Intelligence respectively. Both are done in juxtaposition with CST. Chapter five consists of five subparts (excluding the introduction and conclusion), which are Brief Background for Mary Shelley’s eco-awareness, CST’s response to the eco-crisis, Nature in Harmony and Disharmony, Polar Exploration, and Whaling. Finally, the dissertation comes to its conclusion. Looking at the social factors raised by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein together with CST has led to the cognizance that even though there has been some progress in curtailing social injustices, from Frankenstein to Rerum Novarum to present, there is still more to be done in realizing our humanity by ensuring that the dignity in humankind and non-humans is upheld.

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