Frankenstein And Prometheus Research Paper

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Frankenstein and Prometheus
What does a mad scientist and a Greek god have in common? In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley was inspired from the tale of Prometheus that she gave the subtitle of the book The Modern Prometheus. Victor Frankenstein, the main character in Frankenstein, and Prometheus are parallel from one another because of their family status, creation of mankind, and punishment for shaping man.
Prometheus was born into a highly recognized family. His father Iapetus was a Titan and his mother Clymene was an Oceanid. Also, his uncle Cronus was the father of the famous god Zeus (Atsma). Victor Frankenstein was also born into a famous family.
I am by birth a Genevese, and my family is one of the most distinguished of that republic. My ancestors had been for many years counsellors and syndics, and my father had filled several public situations with honour and reputation. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and indefatigable attention to public business. (Shelley 17)
Another characteristic that Frankenstein and Prometheus both possess is the determination to create life. Prometheus and his brother, Epimetheus, were working for the Olympians and their mission was to create man. Epimetheus gave man fur, wings, strength, and quickness. Prometheus knew that mankind needed a way to defend oneself. He stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. If Prometheus did not provide fire to humans they would be lost in darkness (Hunt). While Prometheus established man with the use of fire Victor Frankenstein also made life with his intuition. “I saw how the fine form of man was degraded and wasted; I beheld the corruption of death succeed to the blooming cheek of life” (Shelley 37). Victor Frankenstein ...

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... three of Victor’s relatives and his closest friend, Henry Clerval. This took all of Victor’s happiness that he possessed, and changed his perspective on life. “Oh! Stars and clouds and winds, ye are all about to mock me; if ye really pity me, crush sensation and memory; let me become as nought; but if not , depart, depart, and leave me in darkness” (Shelley 128). Frankenstein was in such a rage that he too wanted revenge. However, at the end of the novel Victor died and never was satisfied with what he had accomplished.
Through the life of Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley shows how similar he is to the Greek god Prometheus. Both grew up in prestigious families and were able to create mankind through their own works. They brought a new meaning to life, yet were chastised for their determination for establishing life. Frankenstein is The Modern Prometheus.

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