Based on the thesis, that the works of James Whale and Richard Brinsely Peake use comic relief in various ways and differ amongst each other, the following paper attempts to investigate in which way, respectively to what extent “Presumption” and “The bride of Frankenstein” adapt Shelley’s novel whereby the emphasis will be on the incidence of comic relief and the impact of using such a rhetorical device. In order to properly use and work with it, there will be a definition of comic relief at the beginning of this paper, followed by a short plot analysis and the audience’s perception, including a comparison of both works and their considerable reviews respectively. This paper will conclude with an evaluation as well as a summary of the results
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Comic relief in stage adaptations of Frankenstein
- 2.1. A brief definition of comic relief
- 2.2. Primary works and their way of adapting Frankenstein
- 2.2.1 Peake and Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein
- 2.2.2 Whale and The bride of Frankenstein
- 2.3. Comic relief in Frankenstein adaptations
- 2.3.1 Comic relief in "Presumption"
- 2.3.2 Comic relief in “The bride of Frankenstein”
- 2.4. Comparison of “Presumption” and “The bride of Frankenstein”
- 3. Conclusion
- 4. Works Cited
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to investigate the use of comic relief in stage adaptations of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, specifically comparing Richard Brinsley Peake's Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein and James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein. The analysis will focus on how comic relief functions within these adaptations and how it differs between the two works.
- The definition and function of comic relief in dramatic works.
- Analysis of comic relief in Peake's Presumption.
- Analysis of comic relief in Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein.
- Comparison of the use of comic relief in both adaptations.
- The impact of comic relief on the overall narrative and audience reception.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for the paper by discussing the concept of adaptation versus remake, using Linda Hutcheon's definition. It then introduces Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and its various adaptations, highlighting Richard Brinsley Peake's Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein and James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein as primary examples. The chapter outlines the paper's central thesis: that these adaptations utilize comic relief differently, and the paper will investigate the function and extent of this device in each. The methodology is also briefly explained.
2. Comic relief in stage adaptations of Frankenstein: This chapter begins with a definition of comic relief, drawing on various literary lexica. It establishes comic relief as a humorous element in serious works that can serve to release tension and heighten the significance of tragic scenes, though its function can be nuanced and evolve over time. The chapter then transitions into a discussion of the primary works, laying the groundwork for a detailed analysis in subsequent sections.
2.2. Primary works and their way of adapting Frankenstein: This section provides background information on Peake and Whale's respective adaptations. For Peake, it highlights his comedic style and the mixed critical reception of Presumption, focusing on the use of comic relief through characters like Fritz and Madame Ninon. For Whale, the chapter discusses the film's prologue and the overall comedic and satirical elements in The Bride of Frankenstein.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Comic relief, adaptation, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Richard Brinsley Peake, Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein, James Whale, The Bride of Frankenstein, rhetorical devices, dramatic tension, Gothic literature, 19th-century theatre, film adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of Comic Relief in Stage Adaptations of Frankenstein
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the use of comic relief in stage adaptations of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, specifically comparing Richard Brinsley Peake's Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein and James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein. It examines how comic relief functions within these adaptations and how its use differs between them.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the definition and function of comic relief in dramatic works; analysis of comic relief in Peake's Presumption; analysis of comic relief in Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein; a comparison of comic relief usage in both adaptations; and the impact of comic relief on the overall narrative and audience reception.
Which adaptations of Frankenstein are examined?
The paper focuses on two key adaptations: Richard Brinsley Peake's stage play Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein and James Whale's film The Bride of Frankenstein.
What is the methodology used in the paper?
The paper's methodology involves defining comic relief, analyzing its presence and function in each adaptation, and comparing and contrasting the approaches taken by Peake and Whale. The introduction briefly explains this methodology.
How does the paper define comic relief?
The paper defines comic relief by drawing on various literary lexica. It establishes comic relief as a humorous element in serious works that serves to release tension and heighten the significance of tragic scenes, acknowledging that its function can be nuanced and evolve over time.
What are the chapter summaries?
The paper includes an introduction establishing the context and thesis; a chapter dedicated to comic relief in stage adaptations of Frankenstein, including a definition and analysis of the primary works; a section comparing the use of comic relief in both adaptations; and a conclusion.
What are the key works cited?
The key works include Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Richard Brinsley Peake's Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein, and James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein. The full list of works cited is included in the paper.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords are: Comic relief, adaptation, Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, Richard Brinsley Peake, Presumption; or, The Fate of Frankenstein, James Whale, The Bride of Frankenstein, rhetorical devices, dramatic tension, Gothic literature, 19th-century theatre, film adaptation.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, The function of comic relief in stage adaptations of Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1150859
