Shockingly Scientific: Mary Shelley, Frankenstein and the New Science

Just in time for spooky season, this lecture will explore the real-life scientific discoveries that fueled the writing of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Dr. Alexis McQuigge will talk about the history of electrical experiments, early resuscitation methods, and why Shelley might have known so much about them in the first place.

She will also invite you to answer the complex question that the text leaves hanging in the air like an electrical charge in a good lightning storm: if the monster is human, why are we so afraid of him?

• Location: College Avenue Campus Room CB 112 (in-person)
• Parking: Free street parking up to 2 hours or paid parking in Lot 20
• Cost: Free with registration required

 About Dr. McQuigge

Dr. Alexis McQuigge holds a PhD from the University of Waterloo, where she specialized in the study of 18th and 19th century women's travel writing. Currently, she works as the Coordinator of Writing Centre and Tutor Services at the Student Success Centre at U of R, where her work is focused on helping students achieve academic success. Alexis is also an adjunct professor in the Department of English.