Faridoon Babu, a Gothic Romance; Adapting Frankenstein by Mary Shelley into Pakistani Setting

Abstract

The research aims to look into the universality of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein. Gothic literature, sometimes known as Gothic fright, is a vague style of writing that evokes dread and eerie feelings. The term alludes to the Gothic architecture prevalent in early Gothic fiction settings throughout the European Middle Ages. Frankenstein was a story written and set in 1818, whereas, Faridoon Babu is set in 1960. This adaptation of a British story set in Pakistan explores the cultural transition and historical impact of the location on characters, events, psychology, social and religious beliefs, and aesthetics. The genre shifts from Gothic Science Fiction in Frankenstein to Gothic Romantic Narrative in Faridoon Babu. The research explores human emotions such as pain, vengeance, love, empathy, ambition, and creativity, with varying implications between the two locations. The study encourages academics to share stories from their home regions to preserve and introduce their history to the global community.

Keywords:  Gothic, adaptation, Frankenstein, Pakistan, Romance