The Modern Prometheus (Essay Sample)

The Modern Prometheus

Introduction 

Frankenstein can be termed the modern Prometheus because of the parallelism in various circumstances that they are caught up within the novel. As they both desire to share or obtain wisdom and incur repercussions as a result of their ambition, Victor Frankenstein depicts a "modern Prometheus." Prometheus goes against Zeus' wishes and enlightens mankind with the knowledge of fire, according to mythology. Frankenstein's drive to learn more about human existence is similar to this. Individuals in both scenarios want to improve their own or other people's intellect. Victor's persona resembles a "contemporary Prometheus" in this regard. Another explanation is that both men are subjected to harsh punishment as a result of their desire to obtain or share information. In the instance of Prometheus, his deeds caused Zeus to punish him by torturing him physically. Victor's situation is further exacerbated by his remorseful mental condition about his decision to create the monster. In both cases, the men are subjected to heavy consequences as a result of their behavior. As a result of his similarity in character to the youthful Titan, Frankenstein might be termed a "modern Prometheus."
Frankenstein, a book by Mary Shelly, is supposed to be a modern-day retelling of Prometheus. She includes the concepts of knowledge and impact, drawing comparisons between the two stories to demonstrate how similar they are. Both Prometheus and Frankenstein have had tremendous knowledge but also had to bear the repercussions of their abuse of inventions (Romanyshyn). Victor Frankenstein utilizes his scientific skills in the novel to try to bring the dead back to life. He's on a mission to discover a technique to make humanity immortal. As a result, he creates a monster. Prometheus, according to Greek mythology, asks to create humanity. The Gods despise the idea that he is assisting them in becoming self-sufficient. In each narrative, both of these people have the knowledge and wisdom to create mankind, but in the end, they both discover that their creative, hazardous knowledge has repercussions.