The Modern Prometheus

Josh Williams

The Modern Prometheus

Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, is a novel originally published in 1818.  Shelly tells the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with the concept of creating a new form of life.  This obsession eventually leads to the demise of both Victor and many of the people he holds dear.  Victor Frankenstein is widely considered to be the modern Prometheus, a prominent Titan in Greek Mythology.  The story of Prometheus can be found in Hesiod’s Theogony.  In this story, it is told that Prometheus was both the creator and benefactor of mankind.  To further the advancements and enlightenment of humanity, he stole fire from the gods to give to mankind.  In doing so, Prometheus went against the will of the gods.  Zeus was outraged by the his actions and sentenced him to an eternal punishment.  Zeus had him chained to a rock in Mount Kazbek in Georgia, where his liver was to be eaten by an eagle.  Due to his immortality, Prometheus’s liver grew back every night; only to be eaten by the eagle again the next day.  This cycle was intended to be carried out for eternity, but after many years, Prometheus was saved by Hercules.

Victor Frankenstein is often compared to Prometheus due to the motivations which they both possessed.  Victor, like Prometheus, sought enlightenment and the furthering of mankind.  In both instances, these protagonists are so obsessed with their causes that they are negligent to the consequences of their actions.  Victor Frankenstein acknowledges this when saying, “Learn from me… how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (Shelly 38).  Frankenstein, when reflecting on his past, shares with Robert Walton the motivation that led to his downfall; this motivation being his desire for the acquirement of knowledge and greatness. Also, both Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein are severely punished for what they had done.  Although Victor Frankenstein was being punished by the monster, it is he who created and neglected it.  Subsequently, his punishment is seemingly everlasting.         

Prometheus, Painted by Jacob Jordaens in 1640