Mary Shelly's Frankenstein

Mary Shelly's Frankenstein was based on the Greek myth of Prometheus. Dr. Frankenstein can be compared to Prometheus in the way that they both tried to attain God-like powers. Dr. Frankenstein wanted to be known for advancing science and benefiting the human race by creating life out of something dead. "I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers, and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation." Prometheus also wanted to be known to the universe by helping the people of earth. He stole fire from the gods and gave it to the human race

Both stories however, have consequence.Technology takes dangerous effects on human life. This is shown in Frankenstein, when the Creature doesn't turn out as planned. He begins to feel hatred toward humanity as he is rejected by everyone based on his appearance. In time, the "Creature" becomes a "monster". Dr. Frankenstein also suffers from consequence

There are many similarities between the two main characters of these pieces of literature. Both Dr. Frankenstein and Prometheus are known to be ambitious and they show this by pursuing their goal of creating life. Dr. Frankenstein said, "I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet". Similarly, the Greek myth says, "Prometheus first transmuted Atoms culled for human clay" When both these creatures were created the creators realize that their creations were missing something. Frankenstein said, "How can I describe my emotions at this catastrophe, or how delineate the wretch who with such infinite pains and care I had endeavoured to form?... His yellow skin scarcely covered the work of muscles and arteries beneath; his hair was of a lustrous black, and flowing...", when he realizes that his creature is ugly. Frankenstein is so astonished to find his creation hideous that he runs away with feelings of horror. Prometheus too, feels dismay when he, "observed man and longed to bestow upon him some great power, unshared by any other creature of earth, which would raise him far above all other living beings, and bring him nearer to the perfection of the immortal gods" Prometheus then decides to give man fire so that his creation will not die out on Earth. In Frankenstein the act of giving life to another person is an immoral thing for Frankenstein to do because it goes against all the laws of nature. Prometheus too, goes against the laws of the gods and nature by stealing fire and giving it to man. His actions of defying the gods were astonishing and caused great alarm. He is said to have, "His audacious foot planted...Of the theft and the transmission, Of the fire of the Immortals" After comparing the Prometheus myth and Frankenstein it is no surprise that Shelley draws parallels between Dr. Frankenstein and Prometheus. These two characters obviously have a lot in common and they show this by both being ambitious and going against the laws of nature.

After they create their creatures, both Prometheus and Dr. Frankenstein don't get off so easy. In fact, they are get punishment and torture because of their disregard for the unwritten law against playing god. Dr. Frankenstein is tormented by giving his creation life and abandoning it after it came alive. The creature himself tortures Dr. Frankenstein when he kills Dr. Frankenstein's brother, William. Dr. Frankenstein receives a letter from his father saying, "William is dead! That sweet child, whose smiles delighted and warmed my heart, who was so gentle, yet so gay! Victor, he is murdered!" The monster further attacks