A little reason to celebrate
Frankenstein Day
Fun · History · August 30
A day for Frankenstein, Mary Shelley's novel about a young scientist, the creature he builds, and what they owe each other.
Frankenstein Day falls on Monday, August 30, 2027. That is 307 days away.
Frankenstein is the scientist, not the monster. That mix-up is the first thing most readers learn when they open Mary Shelley's novel, and it sets the tone for a story that keeps turning out to be different from its reputation.
The book follows Victor Frankenstein, a young student who becomes consumed with the idea of creating life. He succeeds, then recoils from what he has made and abandons it. The creature, who is never given a name, has to teach himself to speak, read and make sense of people who flee at the sight of him. Much of the novel is his side of the story, and he is articulate, lonely and angry in ways that surprise anyone expecting a lumbering figure with bolts in its neck.
The novel's full title is Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, a nod to the figure from Greek myth who brought fire to humans and suffered for it. The story is framed by letters from an Arctic explorer named Robert Walton, who meets Victor near the end of his life and hears the whole account.
People mark the day by reading the book, sometimes for the first time, sometimes to see how it reads now. Others watch one of the many film versions and compare them with the page, which is a fine way to start an argument about who the real monster is. Libraries and book clubs often pick it up for discussion, because it raises questions about ambition, responsibility and how we treat those who look different.
If you have only seen the films, the novel's creature may be the biggest surprise. He quotes Milton.
Ways to celebrate
- Read the opening letters or the creature's own chapters of the novel.
- Watch a film version and note how it differs from the book.
- Borrow a copy of Frankenstein from your local library.
- Talk with friends about whether Victor or the creature is more sympathetic.
- Look up an illustrated or annotated edition to explore the story's details.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, August 30 |
| 2027 | Monday, August 30 |
| 2028 | Wednesday, August 30 |
| 2029 | Thursday, August 30 |
| 2030 | Friday, August 30 |
All national days on August 30
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