Comparing Frankenstein With The Modern Prometheus In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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"So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein — more, far more, will I achieve; treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation." (Shelley 34) This quote from the book helps give proof to why Mary Shelley subtitled Frankenstein with the Modern Prometheus. Victor can be compared to the Greek Titan Prometheus in uncanny ways that can point to nothing but the fact that he is the a modern version of the Greek Titan. Victor, the creator of the monsterous creature, is comparable to the Titan Prometheus. One way is that they both stole something and gave it to another that wasn’t suppose to have it. Prometheus, at one point a great titan, …show more content…

Prometheus was caught stealing fire from the Gods to give to his creation. When Zeus caught him, in his anger, Prometheus was sentenced to an eternal punishment of having his liver eaten by an eagle. Every night after the eagle finished it’s deed, the liver would regrow and the punishment would repeat. After Victor gave the precious gift of life to his monstrous creation, his eyes opened from the blindness of his obsession. That obsession was trying to break through all odds in science and give life to a being that didn’t have it. “Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil as I dabbled among the unhallowed damps of the grave or tortured the living animal to animate the lifeless clay?” (Shelley 58) Victor abandons his creation out of fear and hate, which leaves the monster isolated. Because of the lack of presence and care from his creator, the monster seeks revenge. "Frankenstein! you belong then to my enemy--to him towards whom I have sworn eternal revenge; you shall be my first victim." (Shelley 136) Over the course of time, the monster murders several of Victor’s family and friends that are cared deeply for. As more and more of the murders take place, Victor is overwhelmed with the same torture and isolation that the monster

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