Frankenstein as The Modern Prometheus

When Mary Shelley published her novel Frankenstein in 1818, she subtitled it "The Modern Prometheus." This intriguing subtitle has since become a subject of much analysis and debate among literary scholars. In this essay, we will explore why Frankenstein is called the Modern Prometheus and examine the various aspects of the novel that align with this mythological figure. By delving into Shelley's use of themes, symbols, and character development, we will uncover the striking similarities between Victor Frankenstein and Prometheus, shedding light on the deeper implications of the novel and its broader implications.

Victor Frankenstein: The Promethean Figure

One of the main reasons why Frankenstein is referred to as the Modern Prometheus lies in the similarities between Victor Frankenstein and the mythological character of Prometheus. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan who defied the gods by stealing fire from Mount Olympus and giving it to humanity. This act of rebellion, fueled by a desire to improve the human condition, mirrors Victor Frankenstein's own ambition.

Just as Prometheus sought to create a better world for mankind, Victor Frankenstein seeks to push the boundaries of science and create life. Through his relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery over nature, Frankenstein becomes a modern embodiment of Prometheus. This connection is further emphasized by Shelley's choice to have Victor explicitly reference Prometheus in the novel when he exclaims, "Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow" (Shelley, 55).

Furthermore, both Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein face severe consequences for their actions. Prometheus is punished by the gods, who chain him to a rock and send an eagle to eat his liver every day, only for it to regenerate overnight. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein suffers the consequences of his hubris, as his creation leads to the destruction of his loved ones and his own downfall.

The Power of Creation and the Quest for Knowledge

Another aspect that aligns Frankenstein with Prometheus is the theme of creation and the pursuit of knowledge. Both Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein are driven by a desire to create something extraordinary and defy the natural order. However, their ambitions come with dire consequences.

In the case of Prometheus, his act of giving fire to humanity leads to a chain of events that disrupts the balance between gods and humans. Similarly, Victor Frankenstein's creation of the monster disrupts the natural order, leading to chaos and destruction. This parallel highlights the dangers of playing god and tampering with the laws of nature.

Shelley's exploration of the theme of knowledge further solidifies the connection between Frankenstein and Prometheus. Both characters are consumed by their thirst for knowledge and suffer the consequences of their actions. Victor Frankenstein's relentless pursuit of knowledge leads him to create a monster that ultimately brings him only despair and destruction. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical responsibility.

The Monster as a Modern Prometheus

While Victor Frankenstein embodies the Promethean figure, the monster he creates can also be seen as a modern Prometheus. Like Prometheus, the monster defies the natural order by seeking knowledge and understanding. Despite his grotesque appearance, the monster possesses a deep desire to learn and be accepted by society. However, just as Prometheus is punished for his actions, the monster is rejected and tormented by humanity.

This parallel between the monster and Prometheus highlights the theme of alienation and the consequences of societal rejection. Both characters are outcasts, ostracized by society due to their differences. The monster's ultimate act of revenge can be seen as a reflection of the pain and anger felt by someone who has been cast aside by society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein is aptly subtitled "The Modern Prometheus" due to the profound similarities between Victor Frankenstein and the mythological figure of Prometheus. Both characters exhibit a relentless pursuit of knowledge and creation, defying the natural order and suffering the consequences. Additionally, the monster can also be seen as a modern Prometheus, rejected by society and seeking revenge for his alienation. Through these connections, Shelley explores the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of ethical responsibility, and the consequences of societal rejection. By understanding the significance of Frankenstein as the Modern Prometheus, we gain deeper insights into the novel's themes and the enduring relevance of Shelley's cautionary tale.

Works Cited

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Penguin Classics, 2003.