Creation and its Path to Destruction in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Creation and its Path to Destruction in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

When early civilization needed an explanation for something found in earth, they created a story to explain it. Prometheus, the creator of man in Greek Mythology, was used as a tool to show how man was created. His story demonstrates the consequences that come along with such a task, also. In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, the main character Victor is portrayed as the creator. The myth of Prometheus and the book Frankenstein, contain evident similarities. Both men create a being, and in turn, they suffer immense repercussions for their actions. When comparing these two pieces of literature, however, one can see there are many differences. In both Frankenstein and the myth of Prometheus, the views toward the creations, the price each creator pays for their actions, and the way they receive their punishments are complete opposites.

Prometheus takes into his own hands the task of creation without, however, consulting the powers above him on Mt.

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Olympus. He made his creatures out of earth materials as the myth explains, "Prometheus, the clever Titan, created all the living creatures from a mixture of earth and water. From these, he fashioned birds for the air, fish for the sea, and animals for the land. However, from the image of immortal gods, he fashioned man." ("Prometheus" 104). It is obvious that he holds his creation of man on a high pedestal for he gave them god -- like attributes.

He wanted nothing but the best for his favorite creation and he "resolved to do whatever was necessary to insure man's survival." ("Prometheus" 104).

Victor Frankenstein loves science. Big things fascinate him, and what would be bigger but to create a being by his own hands. Soon his interests change from "alchemy to chemistry and electricity," (Nardo 45). Unlike Prometheus, Victor's motives were simply selfish. He wanted power. He wanted domination not only over the scientific world, but also over nature and over God. Rather than mixing elements from scratch, Victor collected bones from the charnel-houses" (Frankenstein 39).

Frankenstein's selfish intentions showed when he saw the culmination of his work at its finished stage. He, "desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now he was finished, the beauty of the dream vanished and breathless horror and disgust filled his heart.