Frankenstein's monster, one of the most iconic and recognizable elements of modern pop culture, has managed to withstand time's difficult tests to remain just as popular and relevant today. The movie, Frankenweenie, follows in its footsteps and adopts many of the themes and ideas of the original novel. It expresses a large number of references to other pop culture in horror and other categories as well. Frankenstein has stood the test of time and has become prevalent in pop culture due to it's strong use of romantic and gothic elements. Three elements that occur both in Frankenstein and Frankenweenie are supernatural events, metonymy of gloom and horror, and an atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
One element that occurs in both the novel and the movie is supernatural or inexplicable events. This occurs in the form of the reanimations that happen in both stories. While the reanimations happen in both, they are not done in the same way. Frankenweenie's reanimations involve a more Hollywood style of process involving lightning, while the novel's process is never stated. In addition to this, only one monster was animated in the novel, but in the movie a total of seven reanimations happen. Another example of a supernatural or inexplicable event occurring is the way that the monsters in both stories transcend normal limitations. "I suddenly beheld the figure of a man, at some distance, advancing towards me with superhuman speed,"" (Shelley 120). The monster in Frankenstein is able to overcome the normal physical limitations of humans, and possesses a supernatural level of strength and speed. The monsters in Frankenweenie likewise transcend normal limitations. Sparky is able to be rejuvenated with only electricity and the animated sea monkeys and Shelley grow to sizes many times their own. In Frankenweenie , many of these transformations are pop culture references to famous horror monsters.