Comparing Frankenstein to Prometheus
Throughout Frankenstein, the author, Mary Shelley uses common mythological and biblical reference to deftly connect the reader to her continuing theme in the novel. Mary Shelley refers to these well-known figures so that the reader may better understand and interpret the true thoughts and feelings displayed throughout the novel. A Greek mythological character, Prometheus, and a biblical character, the prodigal son, are excellent examples of Shelley's emphasis of characterization in Frankenstein. Prometheus is the ancient Greek mythological figure who is said to have produced much conflict between mankind and the gods. Prometheus stole fire from the sun that originally belonged to Zeus, and brought it back to earth for mankind to use. Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and sending an eagle to slowly eat his liver every night. Prometheus' liver grew back every day, preventing him from dying, this vengeful act caused him much pain and suffering. Hercules later saved him from his suffrage by breaking the chains that bound Prometheus to the rock (Encarta 1). Greek mythology also refers to Prometheus, the Plasticator, who created and molded mankind from clay. The two ancient myths where
Being a bad father, Victor does not accept him upon his return and rejects him just as everyone else. Prometheus gave fire to humans so that they would have an advantage over all other creatures and become a superior race. However, Victor takes Prometheus' intentions a step further by creating an all new species, and in turn is not saved, but destroyed by his own creation. Some things are not meant to be in our world and the creation of man could quite possibly be on the top of the list. In this way Victor differs from God, "Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand; and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. The monster isolates Victor from all his loved ones, just as the monster is. The prodigal son does not eat the pigs because of his Jewish religion. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; Many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. The characterization of the monster is further enhanced by his refusing to eat the pigs, "My food is not that of man; I do not destroy the lamb and the kid to glut my appetite; acorns and berries afford me sufficient nourishment. Both Prometheus' and Victor's efforts are beneficial to mankind. Once Victor's monster is "sparked to life" he wanders frantically through the nearby village, where people throw rocks toward him at the sight of his hideous appearance. However, as modern mankind continues to advance in science and technology, one could say that enough is enough and creating and developing a superior race or species has gone too far. After spending days of loneliness in the woods, he decides that he wants create himself a mate to fulfill his desire for companionship. Victor was now willing to block out the outside world and devote his entire life to his passion of science, "I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation.
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Acceptance Essays
