Disease and Death: Understanding Frankenstein through Scarlet Fever
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| Family suffering Scarlet Fever (1) |
In the 19th century, disease was constant and terrifying in everyday life. During this time there was limited medical knowledge, and death happened fast. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein uses illness as a strong plot and to shape the characters. Incorporating real fears and true illnesses shows readers how scary death and disease really was in the 19th century.
Understanding Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever was one of the most deadly and contagious diseases in the 1800s. Symptoms consisted of a high fever (usually 101 or higher), sore throat, bright red and swollen tonsils, bumpy tongue, abdominal pain, fatigue, and the most prominent symptom- red rashes that felt almost like sandpaper (4). During the 19th century living conditions were crowded, especially in urban areas. Scarlet fever was often transmitted by sneezing, direct contact, and contaminated surfaces (4). Personal hygiene practices were very minimal at this time, which also contributed to transmission. People believed scarlet fever originated from "bad air", however it started from Group A Streptococcus, which causes a lot of viral infections like strep throat (3).
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| Woman with Scarlet Fever (2) |
Deadly and Contagious
Scarlet fever while extremely contagious was also extremely deadly. If a child got scarlet fever during the 19th century and had no treatments or antibiotics, they would usually die within 48 hours (3). Scarlet fever was one of the leading causes of deaths in children during this time. Children ages 5-15 were most susceptible of getting scarlet fever due to numerous reasons like close contact, crowded settings like school and daycare, and weakened immune systems (3). If left untreated, the bacteria could spread to the blood, lungs, heart, and even kidneys (3).
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| Child with Scarlet Fever (1) |
Scarlet Fever in Frankenstein
In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, illness and death play a major role for shaping not only the plot but Victor's motivations. In the book, Victor's mother Caroline is killed by scarlet fever, while Elizabeth survives. When Caroline dies, this becomes extremely important because it's one of Victors first major losses. During the time Mary Shelley wrote the novel, scarlet fever was spreading like crazy. Families often lived in constant fear and this fear is portrayed in the novels dark tones of death.
The fear surrounding scarlet fever and illness in Frankenstein shows readers how deeply death and disease affected Victor, while also reflecting the experiences of people living during that time. While readers may think the illness was just a small detail, it really played a huge part in the novel-directly shaping the emotions of not just Victor but of people in the real world. Ultimately, Mary Shelley draws inspiration from the widespread fear of disease in the 1800s to shape Victor’s experiences, showing how real anxieties about illness and death influenced Frankenstein.
Works Cited
(1.)“Disclaimer.” Castle Bromwich Graveyard, 11 Mar. 2020, castlebromwichgraveyard.co.uk/disclaimer/.
(2.) Library, Nypl/Science Source/Science Photo. “Scarlet Fever - Stock Image - C007/5884.” Science Photo Library, www.sciencephoto.com/media/138842/view/scarlet-fever. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
(3.) “Scarlet Fever.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scarlet-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20377406. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
(4.) Stephen. “Scarlet Fever Epidemics: Impact & Devastation in 19th Century.” Semilla de Botjael, 10 Jan. 2026, 19thcentury.us/scarlet-fever-epidemics-in-the-19th-century/.
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