Frankenstein’s Monster & Other Spooky Creatures

Halloween is fast approaching. And, with Author’s day also on the horizon, we thought we touch upon some scary creatures found in literature. From Frankenstein’s Monster to Dementors to Dracula, follow us in the blog post set to get your geared up for the spooky season. Plus, we’ll give some tips on how you can dress up like them on the night! But, first: what is Halloween?

What is Halloween?

Halloween, falling on October 31st every year, is a time dedicated to remembering the dead including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the departed. While the origin and religious intent of this holiday is much debated, it is now a staple part of the Western world’s Autumn season.

Nowadays, activities on Halloween include:

• trick-or-treating (or the related guising and souling)
• attending Halloween costume parties
• carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns
• lighting bonfires
• apple bobbing
• divination games
• playing pranks
• visiting haunted attractions
• telling scary stories
• watching horror films

But, why do we like to be scared?

There’s a hormonal component that comes when it comes to fear and enjoyment. Also known as an “adrenaline state”, we are hard-wired to be drawn to this state of feeling strong and powerful. Halloween, and its various spooks and haunts, allow us to experience fear in a more or less safe and controlled way.

Frankenstein’s Monster & Other Spooky Creatures

Looking to scare your friends this Halloween? Check out these spooky costume contenders.

Frankenstein’s Monster

Born from Mary Shelley’s genre-starting novel in 1818, Frankenstein’s monster is often wrongly named “Frankenstein”. But, that is actually the name of the scientist who built this monster out of body parts. Shelly describes this man-made man as: “an 8-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation, with translucent yellowish skin pulled so taut over the body that it barely disguised the workings of the arteries and muscles underneath, watery, glowing eyes, flowing black hair, black lips, and prominent white teeth”.

Want to dress up like him? Use platform shoes, dark make up, and face paint to recreate the image Mary Shelley penned.

Dementors

First appearing in the third book of the Harry Potter series, these creatures feed on the souls of those who get too close. Guarding the wizard prison ‘Azkaban’, these cloaked creatures glide around leaving a cold depressing feeling in their wake. There is a hole in the long black sheet they wear that reveals their soul-sucking mouth.

Want to dress up like one? Almost like a classic ghost costume, find a black sheet and cut out eye holes and a mouth hole. Use face paint to color any exposed skin. Want to glide around? Then, consider wearing heelies or roller skates!

Pennywise the Clown

Stephen King is the father of horror literature. One such invention is the notoriously terrifying Pennywise the Clown. Actually a monster of unknown shape and origin, Pennywise often takes the form of a dancing clown. He aims to lure children to their demise.

Want to dress up like him? Go with a classic clown costume with a red wig, white face paint, and a red nose to match.

Dracula

Another classic Halloween monster, Dracula first appeared in Bram Stokers novel in 1897. It tells a story of a man who finds himself staying in the home of a peculiar Count. We later come to find out that this Count Dracula is a vampire! Stoker describes him as a “tall old man, clean shaven, save for a long white mustache and clad in black from head to foot, without a single speck of color about him anywhere”.

Want to dress up like him? Use face paint to make yourself incredibly pale, then dress in all black. Add some fake vampire teeth if you want to have a bit of flair.

The Other Mother

Coraline, written by Neil Gaiman, is the story of a young girl who finds an alternate universe hidden in the cupboard of her new home. In it, she meets The Other Mother — just like Coraline’s mother, but better! Alas, it turns out she wants to steal Coraline’s soul and replace Coraline’s eyes with black buttons just like her own.

Want to dress like her? Use an outfit you already own or dress in black. Paint buttons on your eyelids using make up or face paint.

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