The Mirror of Current Events, or Beauty to the Highest Bidder

"The Mirror of Current Events, or Beauty to the Highest Bidder,"

A Version of Frankenstein,

Paris, 1790,

Adapted from the story “Le Miroir des Evénemens Actuels, ou La belle au Plus Offrant” written by Francois-Felix Nogaret

Aglaonice, a smart young woman, decided to get married; but she wanted a smart husband as well. She put out a challenge that whichever man could make the cleverest automaton, that he would become her husband. There were six men who decided to try to win the challenge that Aglaonice put forth. The first two men’s automatons were useless and were not brilliant in any way. The third and fourth suitors were tricksters and Aglaonice quickly saw them for what they were and dismissed them. The fifth suitor, who was named Frankestein, wasn’t an exceptionally interesting or handsome young man, but his automaton could walk on its own and played beautiful music. Aglaonice decided she would pick Frankestein, but he told her that she should see the sixth suitor before deciding. When the sixth suitor arrived, he had created an automaton that could create jewels. Aglaonice chose the sixth suitor as his automaton was not only brilliant, but also would help them to be financially stable. Frankestein didn’t go away empty handed as Aglaonice’s sister chose him for her husband.