"Frankenstein" and the Myth of Prometheus

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the connection between Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and the myth of Prometheus (due to her subtitle of the novel, "The Modern Prometheus"). It examines the text of "Frankenstein" and explores, in detail, the foundations for the myth of Prometheus, as written down in ancient Greece and subsequently passed on through the generations via the Greek oral tradition.

From the Paper:

"Once again, we can sense the presence of Prometheus as he breathes life into the lifeless clay of the earth which lies before his feet. Incidentally, Victor describes his newly-risen Creature as having yellow skin, black hair and lips and pearly-white teeth, colors which are most closely associated with the earth, such as in yellow ocher clay used for modeling purposes by sculptors. In addition, this creation scenario is replete with regeneration, meaning that the Creature, composed of dead body parts from the graveyard, is much like the liver/heart of Prometheus which regenerates itself on a daily basis so that the eagle can feed on it as Prometheus lies bounded to the rock."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Prometheus." Theoi Project. Internet. 2007. Retrieved 21 April, 2007 from http://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanPrometheus.html
• Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus. Philadelphia, PA: Running Press, 1990.
• Smith, Johanna M., Ed. Mary Shelley: Frankenstein. 2nd ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000.
• Williams, Terrence. Greek Mythology. Boston: G.K. Hall, 1999.

More papers on "Frankenstein" and the Myth of Prometheus:

• Analytical Essay # 49995 : "Frankenstein and the Issue of Cloning"
• Analytical Essay # 126364 : "Response to 'The Myth of the Cave'"
• Comparison Essay # 73771 : "The Myth of Psychotherapy" and "Hunger of Memory"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: