E94: Frankenstein - When Taylor Swift Meets Gothic Literature and Scientific Ambition

2025-07-09

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me.” In this episode, we're diving into one of literature's most enduring classics: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From Victor's scientific ambition to the creature's desperate search for companionship, we explore how Taylor's lyrics illuminate the Gothic themes of isolation, creation, and the consequences of playing God. Join us as we examine "Don't Blame Me," "Look What You Made Me Do," and "False God" through the lens of literature's first science fiction novel—and discover why this 1818 masterpiece feels more relevant than ever in our age of artificial intelligence. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylor...

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me.” In this episode, we're diving into one of literature's most enduring classics: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From Victor's scientific ambition to the creature's desperate search for companionship, we explore how Taylor's lyrics illuminate the Gothic themes of isolation, creation, and the consequences of playing God. Join us as we examine "Don't Blame Me," "Look What You Made Me Do," and "False God" through the lens of literature's first science fiction novel—and discover why this 1818 masterpiece feels more relevant than ever in our age of artificial intelligence.

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Mentioned in this episode

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Paradise Lost by John Milton
Young Frankenstein (Mel Brooks film)
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
E7: Ecocriticism
The Handmaid's Tale

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Episode Highlights:

[1:45] Quick overview of Frankenstein

[8:00] “Don’t Blame Me” reputation

[15:56] “Look What You Made Me Do” reputation

[30:24] “False God” Lover

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

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