Notes on "The Monster Analogy" by Essi Varis

Overview of "The Monster Analogy"

• Author: Essi Varis

• Published in: SubStance, Vol. 48, No. 1 (2019), pp. 63-86

• Short Title: "Why Fictional Characters are Frankenstein’s Monsters"

Key Concepts

• Metafictional Storytelling:

  • The Unwritten (2009–2015), written by Mike Carey, serves as a key example, illustrating how fictional characters are constructed as both synthetic and mimetic beings—simultaneously human and nonhuman, textual and transtextual.

  • Through its narrative, the text highlights that fictional characters, while existing to fulfill specific narrative roles, exhibit complex behaviors and emotions that make them challenging to manage or control. This reflects themes from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, where the creator's attempt to control their creation leads to unforeseen consequences.

• Character Paradox:

  • Characters within this framework are portrayed as both meticulously crafted and existing entities, giving rise to a Peter Pan-like quality—always alive yet perpetually uncontained. This paradox generates significant discourse within narrative analysis.

  • Shelley's Frankenstein is positioned as an allegory for these fictional characters, suggesting that the dynamics of creation and rebellion exist not just between creator and creature, but also between author and character, echoing themes of neglect and desire for acceptance that are universal in literature.

• Connections between Theories:

  • Multiple literary theories, including structuralism, cognitivism, and transtextual theories, converge to interrogate the paradoxical attributes of characters. Each theory offers varied lenses through which to comprehend character depth and their embodiment of artificial human counterparts.

  • This exploration intends to construct a holistic perspective that embraces the complexities of characters as evolving entities within narratives.

The Unwritten

• Main Character: Tom Taylor - The protagonist, Tom, grapples with the revelation that he might be a fictional character, mirroring the existential exploration faced by the Creature in Frankenstein. His journey raises questions about the nature of existence and the implications of being a constructed entity.

• Identity Crisis: The overarching narrative arc revolves around Tom's struggle with his identity and the existential dread that accompanies the realization of potentially being a mere character. This leads to profound metafictional explorations, revealing the inseparability of authorial intent and character autonomy.

• Themes Explored: Key themes include identity, the implications of free will, the ethical responsibilities of storytelling, and the impact of narrative on perceived reality.

The Monster Analogy Explained

• Comparison with Frankenstein's Creature: Tom's developmental journey is paralleled with that of Frankenstein's Creature, both embodying existential burdens that compel them to seek recognition and a sense of belonging. This longing culminates in a deep examination of what it truly means to be 'alive' in a narrative sense.

  • Both characters are illustrated as products of creation, enduring struggles related to their origins and the nature of their existence, which prompts readers to consider the ethics of creation and the responsibilities of creators.

• Visual Representation: The depiction of the Creature in The Unwritten is layered, retaining elements from Shelley's original while integrating new characteristics that symbolize growth and evolution, thus reflecting the shifting identity of characters across different narratives.

Creation and Control

• The Process of Creation: Both Tom and the Creature symbolize the narrative tension surrounding manufactured beings. Inquiries into their existence challenge traditional notions of life and agency, underscoring that both are heavily influenced and shaped by the intentions of their creators. This brings forth a dialogue about the exploitation of narrative and character independence.

• Paternal Control: The story critiques the patriarchal models of control over created beings, raising essential questions about autonomy, authorship, and the moral ramifications of controlling another being's narrative and existence.

Character Studies and Literary Theories

• Cognitive Engagement: Readers interact with characters as if they are real entities, engaging deeply with their motivations, emotions, and complexities. This cognitive engagement allows for a safe space to navigate difficult moral and existential dilemmas through the lens of fiction.

  • The process of reading becomes an exploration of identity and ethical considerations, as readers reflect on their interpretations and the implications of the characters’ actions.

• The Role of Readers: The subjective nature of character engagement is highlighted, emphasizing that readers' personal experiences, beliefs, and interpretations shape their understanding of characters, revealing the dynamic interplay between text and reader.

Transmedial Explorations

• Impact of Medium: The Unwritten prompts discussions about the way narratives function across various media forms and how characters adapt to these different contexts. This multiplicity illustrates the potential for characters to evolve and resonate with audiences through new interpretations and adaptations.

  • The narrative's evolution across platforms raises intriguing questions about the permanence and fluidity of character identity in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Conclusion: The Implications of the Monster Analogy

• Conflict and Duality in Characters: Characters possess an alluring quality that makes them seem alive, yet they are simultaneously acknowledged as literary constructs. This inherent duality creates cognitive dissonance for readers and offers rich opportunities for deeper understanding and analysis.

  • The conflict inherent in character perception opens new avenues for character theory, enabling readers and scholars alike to engage with a more dynamic, evolving conception of fictional entities in literature.