Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Bride of Frankenstein," Edward Field reimagines the classic story of Frankenstein's monster and his intended mate, infusing it with vivid imagery and a modern twist. The poem explores themes of power, objectification, and the destructive nature of unchecked desire. Field skillfully combines elements of horror and satire to critique the objectification of women and the scientific hubris embodied by the Baron.

The poem begins with the Baron's decision to "mate the monster," driven by his devotion to "pure science, his only god." The Baron retreats to his laboratory, "built in the tower of the castle," where he harnesses "interplanetary forces" to create a female companion for the monster. Field's description of the laboratory equipment as "liquids burping, and coils blinking and buzzing" conveys a chaotic atmosphere, suggesting the unpredictability and recklessness of the Baron's scientific pursuits.

The Baron constructs "the prettiest monster-woman you ever saw," assembling her with "hardly any stitching at all / where he sewed on the head of a raped and murdered beauty queen." This grotesque detail underscores the Baron's disregard for ethics and humanity, treating the woman's body as a mere object for his experiment. The female monster is designed to be sexually appealing, with "a body like a pinup girl," highlighting her role as an object of desire.

To animate the bride, the Baron waits for an electric storm, which he believes will provide "the spark vital for life." As the storm intensifies, "the equipment really goes crazy / like a kitchen full of modern appliances," emphasizing the mix of scientific ambition and absurdity in the Baron's experiment.

Once the storm brings the bride to life, the Baron brings in the male monster, who is "already straining at his chains and slurping, / ready to go right to it." The monster's keeper has been conditioning him for this moment, whispering crude phrases like "Ya gonna get a little nookie, kid" and "How do you go for some poontang, baby?" This language reflects the pervasive objectification and sexualization of the bride, who is seen purely as a body to satisfy the monster's desires.

When the bride awakens, she is described as "a monster princess with a hairdo like a fright wig, / lightning flashing in the background." The imagery of "electric eyes" and "seamed glory" gives her a tragic allure, but she quickly realizes her grim fate: "in this life too / she is just another body to be raped." The realization leads her to scream in terror, but the monster, driven by his "evil" desires, approaches her aggressively.

The bride's response is to jump off the parapet, choosing death over being violated by the monster. Despite her "big tits," she is "just a baby," emphasizing her innocence and vulnerability.

Thwarted in his desire, the monster's rage "turns to violence," and he begins to wreck the laboratory, unleashing chaos as the "stone castle crumbles and crashes in the storm." The Baron's ambitions collapse along with the castle, and "the equipment goes off like a bomb," suggesting the destructive consequences of his unchecked hubris.

However, the poem leaves room for ambiguity: "Perhaps somehow the Baron got out of that wreckage of his dreams / with his evil intact, if not his good looks." The possibility of the Baron's survival hints at the persistence of scientific hubris and malevolent ambition.

The poem ends on a chilling note, with the potential survival of the monster. He may continue to "roam the earth, his desire still ungratified," threatening "lovers out walking in shadowy and deserted places" and haunting "children sleeping in their beds."

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Objectification and Sexualization: The poem critiques the objectification of women through the depiction of the bride as a "monster-woman" created solely to satisfy the male monster's desires. Her creation and subsequent fate underscore the dangers of reducing women to mere objects.

2. Scientific Hubris and Power: The Baron embodies scientific ambition taken to dangerous extremes. His disregard for ethics and human life in the pursuit of "pure science" highlights the destructive potential of unchecked power.

3. Innocence vs. Corruption: The bride's innocence contrasts sharply with the male monster's corruption. Despite her outward appearance, she remains "just a baby," emphasizing the tragedy of her situation.

4. Violence and Destruction: The monster's thwarted desires lead to violence and destruction, reflecting the destructive potential of unfulfilled desires and suppressed rage.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a narrative tone that mimics the storytelling of classic horror films. The conversational language and vivid imagery create a compelling atmosphere, blending horror with satire and critique.

Conclusion:

"The Bride of Frankenstein" by Edward Field is a powerful reimagining of the classic story, infused with modern themes and a critical perspective. Through vivid imagery and a compelling narrative, Field explores themes of objectification, scientific hubris, and the destructive nature of unchecked desire. The poem serves as a critique of the ways in which power and ambition can lead to the exploitation and destruction of others.

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