Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MA in English
Department
English
First Advisor
Rachel Hollander
Second Advisor
Amy King
Abstract
By examining the monsters through a racial lens in Frankenstein and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, this thesis aims to show how the creature and Hyde can be reflective of the racial stereotypes in Britain in the 19th century. This thesis maps out how the monsters in the novels embody nonwhite races and how the narrative can either keep them in the category of monster, or humanize them. The creature represents nonwhite races, and Shelley critiques racist ideologies of the early 19th century through the creature’s narration in the novel. Further, Shelley demonstrates the monstrous nature of white Britons through the actions of Victor. Stevenson proves himself to be more complicit in the racist stereotypes of the period by representing the fear of miscegenation. Hyde embodies nonwhite races and Stevenson demonstrates the perils that miscegenation can result in. An analysis of these texts through a racial lens will reveal that throughout the 19th century Britain became more fearful of other races, not less. However, both texts demonstrate the fear of nonwhite races held by white Britons during the 19th century.
Recommended Citation
Rodia, Sara N., "THE MONSTERS AND THEIR RACIAL IDENTITIES IN FRANKENSTEIN AND THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 521.
https://scholar.stjohns.edu/theses_dissertations/521