Why did people want to call the monster Frankenstein when that was the scientist's name?

Question

We're reading Frankenstein now in English class (don't spoil it for me!), and I can't help but think of the monster as Frankenstein, instead of the scientist! Why do we call the monster Frankenstein, when he really does have no name at all?

Answer 1

you are absolutely right! The creature has no name. but it was a common misconception since the first film version was made. the main reason is that people are ignorant of the actual story because they probably have never read the book. people will still call the monster Frankenstein but I just ignore them and go on with my life. I know the truth and that is enough for me. Have fun reading!

Answer 2

Mainly from the movies. The film "Frankenstein" starring Boris Karloff focussed on the monster, being a visual medium,and Universal Pictures just kept this habit up. Not until the English Hammer movies starting with "Curse of Frankenstein" in the 1950s did the focus change to the scientist.

Answer 3

Well the monster never had a name, it was "Frankenstein's monster." It was in a movie called Frankenstein, and a book called Frankenstein. The most memorable part of the book and movie wasn't the scientist, it was the monster. So the name Frankenstein just kind of stuck to the most popular and memorable character, the monster.

Its like how we call gelatin desserts "Jello" when Jello is just a brand, not the gelatin dessert. The popular name just kind of sticks after awhile.

Answer 4

Since it didn't have a name it was called Frankenstein's Monster, but over time it was shortened to simply Frankenstein.

Answer 5

It was just "Frankenstein's Monster" and later that was just carried across as Frankenstein.