LETTERS: `FRANKENSTEIN' AUTHOR WAS SUFFERING FROM LOSS OF A CHILD

To the editor:

This in response to a letter from Steve Mosley of Sikeston on the subject of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." I have no intention of commenting on the social or political issues implied. I only want the opportunity to clear up the reason for her ideas on the story's theme.

Shelley was very young when she wrote this morbid tale. It was written just after the death of her first child. Her grief was unbearable, and she became consumed with the loss of her baby. Confusion as to why this happens and anger as to why it did controlled her daily thoughts. "Frankenstein" was born from this pathetic mixture. Bringing the dead back to life could only be achieved on paper. This may sound twisted, but no two people deal with grief in the same way. The story was no more than one young woman's attempt to live with sorrow. It's that simple.

KIM REDNOUR

Cape Girardeau