For those of us that love a good story, Frankenstein is a classic tale of hubris, suffering, and tragedy. Written by the revolutionary author Mary Shelley, Frankenstein has captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
It’s a story that continues to be adapted and celebrated almost two hundred years since it was first published. But why is Frankenstein often referred to as “The Modern Prometheus”? We’ll explore why this name is so poignant and what it means for the story of Frankenstein.
Why is Frankenstein Called the Modern Prometheus?
Frankenstein, the novel by Mary Shelley, is often referred to as the “modern Prometheus”.But why is this? Who is Prometheus, and how is he connected to the novel? Read on to find out.
Who is Prometheus?
Prometheus was a figure in Greek mythology.He was a Titan and the son of Themis, a goddess. According to the myths, Prometheus was a champion of mankind and gave them fire, which was hidden by the god Zeus. Because of this, he was punished severely by Zeus.
Mary Shelley and Prometheus
Mary Shelley was inspired by the Greek myth of Prometheus when she wrote Frankenstein. In the novel, the protagonist Victor Frankenstein, creates a monster using science and technology. This act of creation is comparable to Prometheus giving fire to humanity.The Theme of Creation
The main theme of the novel, and the reason why it is called the “modern Prometheus”, is the idea of creation and its consequences. Victor creates the monster, much like Prometheus gave fire to humans.But, like Prometheus, Victor’s creation brings about disaster. This is the central theme of the novel and is why it is referred to as the “modern Prometheus”.