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 later fused together into one historical myth that stated that the fire that was stolen from Zeus is the fire of life and was used to create mankind from clay (Encarta 1).
             Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is appropriately subtitled "The Modern Prometheus" because of its portrayal of Victor Frankenstein's role as the creator of man. Prometheus and Victor share similar traits and characteristics as creators of man and defiers God. Both Prometheus' and Victor's efforts are beneficial to mankind. Prometheus gave mankind fire while Victor created a breakthrough in science, but both efforts produced consequences with a price to pay (Blumerg 44). Victor was now willing to block out the outside wo...