Comparing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the Prometheus Myth

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is subtitled “The Modern Prometheus,” linking it explicitly to the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus, a Titan who defies the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity. This connection is far from superficial; both tales explore themes of creation, rebellion, and the consequences of seeking forbidden knowledge. By examining the parallels between Victor Frankenstein and Prometheus, we can gain deeper insights into Shelley’s intentions and the enduring appeal of her Gothic masterpiece.

Prometheus, in Greek mythology, is known for his intelligence and for being a champion of humankind.

His gift of fire symbolizes the spark of knowledge and civilization, empowering humanity but also bringing them the capacity for self-destruction. His punishment by Zeus—to be chained to a rock with an eagle eating his liver daily, only for it to regenerate each night—reflects the gods’ harsh retribution for his transgression.

Victor Frankenstein mirrors Prometheus in his quest to transcend human limitations through knowledge. Like Prometheus, Victor seeks to bestow upon humanity a power that was previously inaccessible to them—the power to overcome death. By reanimating dead matter, Victor assumes a god-like role, creating life without the traditional process of biological reproduction. However, the consequences of Victor’s actions are disastrous. His creation, intended to be a beautiful and enlightened creature, quickly becomes a source of horror and tragedy.

Both figures suffer for their actions, though their sufferings are markedly different. Prometheus is punished by the gods for his benevolence toward humanity, while Victor’s suffering is largely the result of his own hubris and ethical blindness. Victor’s punishment is not imposed by a higher power but unfolds from the natural consequences of his actions. His creature becomes a vector of ruin, primarily because Victor fails to anticipate the responsibilities of creatorship and shuns the creature out of fear and repulsion.

Moreover, both Prometheus and Victor disrupt the established order, challenging the boundaries set by higher authorities—Zeus in the myth, and nature or God in “Frankenstein.” Their actions lead to profound changes, but also illustrate the perilous nature of unchecked ambition. While Prometheus’s motivations are largely altruistic, aimed at improving the human condition, Victor’s motivations are more ambiguous, tinged with personal glory and scientific curiosity without regard for ethical boundaries.

Victor’s creation can also be seen as a Promethean figure; like Prometheus, the creature endures great suffering and isolation due to his creators’ actions. He gains knowledge quickly, teaches himself to read and think, and becomes painfully aware of his own wretched condition. His narrative is one of enlightenment but also of profound alienation and despair. This dual perspective on the Prometheus myth highlights the complex moral landscape Shelley navigates in her novel.

In conclusion, the parallel narratives of Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein articulate deep anxieties about the nature of human ambition and the ethical dimensions of creation and invention. Both stories serve as cautionary tales about the limits of human striving and the complex consequences of crossing boundaries meant to contain human power. Shelley’s novel, through its invocation of the Prometheus myth, enriches its exploration of these themes, offering a layered critique of the Enlightenment faith in reason and progress. By aligning Victor with Prometheus, Shelley not only underscores the tragic elements of the myth but also amplifies her questioning of the moral and ethical implications of human discovery and technological advancement.

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