Explore Frankenstein's origin story.

Taking a cue from Malcolm Gladwell, this talk will cover the little known and often misunderstood history of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; Or the Modern Prometheus as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of its publication. It will explain the events that sparked the idea of the novel for Shelley, how the story changed as it was adapted for the stage and film, and it will explore why, even to this day, Frankenstein persists as a monstrous force in popular culture.

Dr. Brian R. Gutiérrez earned his PhD from the University of Washington where his research centered on gothic literature from the 18th and 19th centuries. Currently, he is the Project Coordinator for a $2.25 million Title III "Strengthening Institutions" federal grant at COCC, as well as a faculty member in the Humanities department.