Mary Shelley and Frankenstein - Philosopher's Zone

Philosopher's Zone is a radio show from ABC in Australia, which is also podcast. The show has may been in existence for quite some time, but the podcast started only recently. By now only four shows have been put in the feed. I chose to listen to a conversation of host Alan Saunders with professors Jane Goodall and Joan Kirkby about Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. (feed)

The film industry, needless to say, has trivialized the novel, but still even with what remains the allegory is standing. First of all, most prominently, it is horror tale about where technology can take us and this is where mostly interpretation stops. But the program explores more meanings in the tale. A more free exploration of the exploits of science, an exploration of humanity and of love and also questions of guilt and of masculinity and femininity are observed.

It is a pity that Goodall and Kirkby are not separately introduced so that it is hard to tell the two female voice apart. I myself, while listening, gradually forgot there were two speakers and thought there were some odd transitions, because of that. All in all, the show gives much food for thought and surely makes one want to read the novel again. It can also be listened to in podcast by Librivox. One reading has already been finished and a second version is in the making.