Title: Rupetta

Author: Nike Sulway

Date of First Publication: 2013

Place of Publication: Tartarus Press, Australia

Type: Novel

Characters: No Character

Themes: ANDROID; BYRONIC HERO; SYMPETHETIC MONSTER; RACE/POLITICS; QUEER; WOMEN WRITING MONSTERS

Critical Summary: Set between two time periods, Rupetta follows the story of a clockwork machine, Rupetta, created in France in the seventeenth century by a young woman, who “awakens” to become a beacon of hope and intelligence, and Henri, from an alternate now, who grew up surrounded by Rupettan Laws. The android, Rupetta, is sustained in life only by being wound by her caretaker, known as the Wynder. Over time, those that know what she is take advantage of her name and create a society based on the necessity of knowledge alone. Rupetta and Frankenstein both include characters that were man-made and misunderstood by humans. However, Rupetta’s creator shows her the meaning of being human and teaches her how to live amongst the living, while Victor did nothing to assist the Creature and left him to his own madness. Rupetta learns to love and to assimilate with humankind, with some even viewing her as divine. She always has someone to care for her whereas the Creature was destined to be alone. Both Rupetta and the Creature desire another being like themselves, but their stories are different. The Creature wants a companion to share his feelings, while Rupetta births a child who she cares for dearly and wants to remain safe. The Creature never sees his desire come true because Victor does not want to subject another being to the life the Creature has lived, or to have superior beings supersede humanity. The theme of Queer Frankenstein was chosen because Rupetta is a story that pushes the boundaries of societal acceptance, for not only is Rupetta an android, but she falls in love with Henri, who is a female, showing that love can bloom in any form and for any person.

Administrative Notes:  Bernadette Aniceto, CSUF; Dr. David Sandner, CSUF (editing)