Comparing Myths And Archetypes In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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In literature, authors frequently utilize myths and archetypes to help convey character, situations, and themes to readers. Likewise, Mary Shelley employs several archetypes in Frankenstein to better relate her message. The Greek myth of Prometheus as well as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel T. Coleridge foreshadow the plot development in her story. She similarly delineates the Creature as a monster, outcast, and scapegoat archetypes to foretell his character type as well as his actions and role in the story. All in all, Mary Shelley utilizes several myths and archetypes to foreshadow the plot development and characters in her novel Frankenstein. Shelley begins her story not with the text, but with the title Frankenstein or The Modern …show more content…

The first allusion occurs in the letters. Robert Walton writes to his sister Margaret to not worry because he “shall kill no albatross; therefore do not be alarmed for my safety or if I should come back to you as worn and woeful as the ‘Ancient Mariner” (Shelley 15). The Mariner he refers to, killed an albatross while on a voyage to the south pole, bringing back luck and death to his crew. Only after realizing all God’s creatures are beautiful and need respect does good luck finally follow him. Walton’s allusion informs Margaret he will literally kill no albatross as well as be careful and kind to all creatures. He follows suit with his promise by nursing a stranger and respecting the wishes of his crew members to return south when the ice breaks up. In the same fashion, several allusions in the plot occur between the two stories. Like the Mariner towards the albatross, Victor Frankenstein believes his creation to be a hideous monster. He then rejects his creation and later tries to kill him. In this situation, Frankenstein plays the role of God, because he created life, and the Creature represents the albatross, the life Frankenstein created. By rejecting his creation, Frankenstein disrespects it, similar to when the Mariner kills the albatross, foretelling of bad luck which plagues him thereafter. Frankenstein does not learn to respect and love his creation like God loves all his creatures and as his duty as a creator obligates him to. Thus, the Creature torments his creator for ignoring his obligations and needs. Shelley incorporates parallels to The Rime of the Ancient Mariner to foreshadow Walton’s kindness and subsequent safe travels as well as Frankenstein’s

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