Surprising parallels: How Still Up is similar to Frankenstein

The Dress episode of Still Up is a captivating and complex story that explores various themes and experiences through the lens of Lisa, the main character. While the episode touches on several different aspects of Lisa's life, one intriguing cultural touchpoint that can be drawn from it is Mary Shelley's iconic novel, Frankenstein.Frankenstein, often referred to as the modern Prometheus, is a Gothic science fiction tale that delves into the themes of creation, morality, and the consequences of playing God. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a monster out of various body parts and brings it to life. The novel raises questions about the limits of human knowledge and ambition, as well as the responsibility that comes with wielding such power.Similarly, Lisa's journey in The Dress mirrors some of the central themes found in Frankenstein. Throughout the episode, she finds herself battling with the choices she has made and the consequences they bring. Lisa's interactions with Alonso, the person she thoughtlessly flirted with despite knowing about his marriage, can be seen as her own creation, similar to Frankenstein's monster. She has created a situation that is morally ambiguous and must face the repercussions of her actions.Furthermore, Lisa's encounter with the pedestrian on the phone can be compared to Frankenstein's initial interactions with his creation. The sudden interruption in Lisa's conversation mirrors the interruption in Frankenstein's life when he realizes the consequences of his creation. Just as Frankenstein is confronted with the reality of what he has brought into existence, Lisa is reminded of her responsibilities and is forced to confront the choices she has made.The theme of identity and the fear of rejection is explored in both the episode and the novel. Lisa's hesitant and anxious approach in messaging Amy, a potential match on a dating app, echoes the monster's yearning for acceptance in Frankenstein. Both Lisa and the monster struggle with their self-perception and fear of being rejected by society due to their perceived abnormalities.Additionally, Lisa's experience with her health issue and her struggle to find support from her doctor parallels the monster's isolation and rejected attempts at seeking companionship. Lisa's inability to obtain medical help forces her to turn to unconventional resources, much like the monster's rejection from humanity pushes him to seek solace in darkness.The climax of the episode, where Lisa confronts the thief wearing her stolen dress, can be seen as her attempt to confront her own creation and regain control over her life. Just as Frankenstein confronts his monster, Lisa seeks justice and a resolution for the wrongs that have been done to her. However, both Lisa and Frankenstein face the unexpected consequences of their actions, as the passengers turn against Lisa and Frankenstein's monster seeks revenge.In the end, both Lisa and Frankenstein come to a profound realization about the nature of their creations and the consequences they bear. Lisa's realization that she has missed her stop can be seen as an acknowledgment that her actions on the bus have resulted in unintended outcomes, much like Frankenstein's realization that he has brought destruction upon himself and those around him.While The Dress episode of Still Up may seem like a world away from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, at its core, it explores similar themes of creation, morality, and consequence. Both stories delve into the depths of the human condition, grappling with the pursuit of power, the longing for acceptance, and the unexpected ramifications of our choices. Through the comparison of these two cultural touchpoints, we are reminded of the timeless nature of these themes and how they continue to resonate with audiences across different mediums and narratives.