Transgenderism as an aspect of transhumanism in J. Winterson’s novel “Frankissstein : A Love Story”

Abstract

   Transhumanism is a philosophical concept that aims to change a person with the help of modern technologies to combat old age and death. The main problem of transhumanism in literature is reflections on the relationship between man and technology. The modification of a person can lead to the appearance of a posthuman, who has abandoned the usual human appearance as a result of the introduction of advanced technologies. The novel “Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus” (1818) by Mary Shelley describes the first attempts to create a possible posthuman. Victor Frankenstein’s Monster is one of the first monsters to be classified as a hybrid between organic creatures and technology. Continuing this theme, Jeanette Winterson, in 2019, writes the novel “Frankissstein: A Love Story”, which has not been researched either in foreign or in Russian literary studies. It should be emphasized that Janet Winterson’s novel is not just a remake of Mary Shelley’s novel, but is more like a parody. In the novel, the writer claims that transgenderism is one of the ways to go beyond human nature. This idea is expressed by a transgender doctor named Ry Shelley. The problem that Ry faces is the problem of borderline existence, he is between traditional categories, facing the misunderstanding and disapproval of others. Ry is experiencing a crisis of self-identification, constantly being in a kind of duality – he needs another operation, which he cannot decide on. Jeanette Winterson offers a feminist perspective, criticizing the possible transhumanist future created by men, with sex dolls instead of real partners, cryopreservation, and the possibility of a body-less existence. The writer emphasizes that the ordinary joys of life are much more important.