(A Comparison of Frankenstein to Prometheus)

The concept behind the story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley isn’t a new idea by any means. Way back when, the Greeks had a mythological figure called Prometheus. Trent Lorcher says this about him. “The full title of the novel, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, emphasizes the theme of Victor as an overreacher, one who ascends further than his ability. In Greek mythology, Prometheus created man. As a modern Prometheus, Victor creates a new species. Prometheus feels love for his creation (unlike the modern Prometheus) overreaches and steals fire from Zeus. Zeus punishes Prometheus by chaining him to a rock for eternity and sending an eagle to eat his liver daily.” So, what does Frankenstein have to do with this Prometheus guy? Believe it or not, they are practically the same character. Viktor Frankenstein from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Prometheus are similar in that they both pursue knowledge, they both defy a higher power, and they are both determined.

Initially, Frankenstein and Prometheus are similar because they pursue knowledge. In both stories, the protagonist is not content with being limited in what they know. Prometheus learns skills and trades from other Gods, as Frankenstein learns from his professors and continues his knowledge. They both share a fascination too, as Rebecca Dudczak points out. “Aside from the title, Shelley borrows from the tale of Prometheus a sense of consequence resulting from seeking enlightenment and power. Victor is her modern incarnation of Prometheus. He, as Prometheus was, is fascinated by the power of electricity (lightning). We can recall from the narrative the moment when he becomes captivated by its fantastical power.” This quote from the book itself will solidify this statemen...

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...ary Shelly’s Frankenstein shows us the dangers involved in playing god as well as tampering with the nature life and death.” It may not have ended well for them, but it sure made some good reading for us.

Works Cited

Baase, Sara. "Prometheus Myth: A Gift of Fire." Prometheus Myth: A Gift of Fire. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.

Dudczak, Rebecca. "A Cultural History of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus." A Cultural History of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.

Lorcher, Trent. "Allusions & Major Themes in Frankenstein: Study Guide." Bright Hub Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

Pontikis, Nick. "Myth Man's Prometheus Homework Help Page Two." Myth Man's Prometheus Homework Help Page Two. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.

Spositos, Martin. "Frankenstein Is a Modern Prometheus." Msposito3s Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014.