I am a Monster: An Exploration of the Self through Examination of Fragmented Identity or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Becomes a Guide for Self-Reflection

Authors

Sherri A. Ahern, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

English

First Advisor's Name

Maneck H. Daruwala

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

James Sutton

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Michael Gillespie

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, addiction, identitiy, Miami

Date of Defense

3-21-2019

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the ways a fragmented identity can be reconciled through examination and analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and several other works of art. Findings suggest that identity is both generated by and projected onto individuals, and reconciliation of these questions can turn the concept of monstrosity from a negative to a positive. This research supports and promotes the notion that individuals are more than simply the sum of all their parts, and that identities can simultaneously endure the paradox of being fragmented yet whole.

Identifier

FIDC007078

Recommended Citation

Ahern, Sherri A., "I am a Monster: An Exploration of the Self through Examination of Fragmented Identity or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein Becomes a Guide for Self-Reflection" (2019). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4043.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4043