Premium Essay

Modern Prometheus

In:

Submitted By foxt
Words 1550
Pages 7
Prometheus' creation of the human race during the creation of the universe was for the sake of humanity, Victor's creation of the creature was for his sole knowledge to only better his curiosity. Some may say Victor Frankenstein does not portray a modern Prometheus. Although he may not be a god, he is to the creature. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein is the modern Prometheus. Victor seeks for enlightenment and power, in which, Prometheus does as well.Victor does something forbidden; creating human life. Prometheus also does something forbidden; giving fire to humans. Victor, in return, serves a torturous death, as does Prometheus, although Prometheus cannot die. For these reasons this novel, Frankenstein, shows how Victor is the modern Prometheus.
Undoubtedly both Victor Frankenstein and Prometheus seek for enlightenment and power. In the beginning of this novel Victor starts his childhood yearning for knowledge and reading books of science. The quote, “...eager desire to learn,..., secrets of heaven and earth that i desired to learn,..., my inquiries were directed to the metaphysical,…, the physical secrets of the world” (Shelley, 23). It shows how ambitious Victor was to learn as a child and how the start of his seeking for enlightenment and power came to be. Victor also foreshadows how misfortune had tainted his mind, “...misfortune had tainted my mind and changed its bright visions of extensive usefulness into gloomy and narrow reflections…”(Shelley, 24). This quote shows how at first he had psychedelic visions of helping and being convenient until a misfortune had tainted his mind to change these to dark images. This misfortune was the want for power. Prometheus seeks for enlightenment and power in a different way. Prometheus gets power from stealing fire from Zeus but in return he is punished. The quote, “...he snuck quietly into

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Explain Why The Intimation Why Frankenstein Is Called The Modern Prometheus

...intimation why Frankenstein is called the modern Prometheus? See after reading voluminous kinds of the monster/book named Frankenstein, I believe that sundry people essentially believe Victor is and why called the modern Prometheus, because the enchanting what should be solitary the veracious of God, to give supplementary creatures or human beings life. It’s like a sequence second in mandate, you must remember, when studying Frankenstein’s creation that he was not unfluctuating close to being evil when he was first created he became motivated very hastily even towards his dark ends by the rejection and torments at the hands of human beings. He was not evil by nature but he was made to. A lot of people look down on Frankenstein but doesn’t realize what he has gone though they should look down on the creator of the monster, why Frankenstein rejected the...

Words: 436 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Report on Cultural Event

...on line. The Museum I chose to visit was the Philadelphia Museum of Art, I have always wanted to visit this particular museum and I hope that I will. On September 4th 2012 I visited the Online Museum of the Philadelphia Museum of Art After navigating through the site looking at different works of art and sculptures, I felt so lost in all that I saw it was as if I was transported back in time, I could visualize the painters at work, and it was as if I could feel their passion radiating from these canvases, the vibrant colors, the elaborate brush strokes and attention to minute details all brought across the message of these paintings I spent close to two hours looking at paintings dating from the Baroque period all the way into the modern age but the paintings that really caught my eyes were those from the 17th century. Of these the ones that made an impression on me were: 1. “Virgin and child with Angel” painted in 1642 by Simon Vouet in France. This portrays a virgin half sitting, half crouching with a cherubic infant on her hips while her focus was on the basket of fruits that she was eating from, oblivious of the angel to her right that was playing with the infant in her arms. The scenery is painted overshadowed by a large tree, possibly an Oak; in the distance a lake can be seen. The simplicity of the painting and its bright colors is pleasing to the eyes and one feels a sense of serenity and peace while viewing this piece. The characters are in accord with...

Words: 676 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Allusions in Frankenstein

...Pieces of literature including Prometheus, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, the Inferno, the Bible and Paradise Lost are often referred to throughout the book, especially Prometheus, the sub title of the book is The Modern Prometheus, Shelley is obviously alluding to the myth of Prometheus. Shelley would have never put the subtitle of the book as The Modern Prometheus if she didn’t want her audience to consider it while reading Frankenstein. In the myth Prometheus, Prometheus created man out of clay, as well stole fire from the sun, and gave to man. The actions of Prometheus made Zeus very angry, and he was condemned for his said actions, his punishment was to be bound to a rock for eternity while an eagle pecked at his liver. In Frankenstein, no one was condemned to have their liver pecked at, but Frankenstein was condemned by having his whole family murdered by the monster. He wanted to play God, and create something, and just like in Prometheus, a new creation was made, and because someone else wanted to play God, they were punished. On page 45, Shelley clearly alludes to Prometheus with the creation of man by clay, “Who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil as I dabbed among the unhallowed damps of the grave or tortured the living animal to animate the lifeless clay?”. Frankenstein created the monster out of parts of other humans, he literally dug people up, and took their body parts, from the dirt, he created something new, and in Prometheus, from the clay, he created...

Words: 957 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Frankenstein

...Elvis Dizdarevic Interpretation of Lit 11/17/2011 Frankenstein: The Pursuit of Dangerous Knowledge By: Elvis Dizdarevic Aristotle once said, “All men by nature desire knowledge” and I tend to agree with him. Every human being strives to be more knowledgeable. It is something we all want. In society, it puts people above one another and gives a certain power to the ones who are intelligent. It is revered to be only a good thing to have and to seek but in some situations pursuing more knowledge is, in fact, dangerous. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, two main characters have this obsessive pursuit of knowledge; Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. Walton, an Englishman, is on a quest to be the first to reach the North Pole. His story is the frame for Frankenstein and the monster’s stories. He is a determined man who wants to possess a knowledge that no one else has. Walton desires to explore uncharted lands and to discover new particulars unbeknownst to the average man. Victor Frankenstein parallels Walton in his obsessive pursuit of knowledge. Most would say Frankenstein is even more obsessive. Frankenstein is a man who is purely driven to learn more. While attending the University of Ingolstadt, Frankenstein learns all that his professors have to teach him. After mastering the sciences he becomes fascinated with life and its creation. So much that he neglects his family and stays in his apartment for months at a time to research. He believes that there is...

Words: 1215 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Romanticism Unshackled: a Study of the Modern Prometheus

...Romanticism Unshackled: a Study of the Modern Prometheus The most remarkable aspect about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is the ability to label the novel in so many different ways amongst many genres, ranging from science fiction, to fantasy, to horror, and have all of them be correct. At such a young age, Mary Shelley constructed a narrative so revolutionary, intricate, and involved that it is still pertinent to be written about in college essays almost 200 years after it was written. As the author, Shelley is often attributed with vast creative intellect, and rightly so, as is evidenced while reading through her novel. It is imperative to recognize, however, just how much influence her colleagues—the Romantic poets—had on the ideas that became manifested in her writing. Frankenstein should bear the title of Romantic literature because the novel embodies trademark Romantic ideas, situations, and characteristics throughout the text. In an attempt to categorize any novel as Romantic, however, one must first attempt to identify what, exactly, makes a work Romantic. A group of poets, including the likes of William Blake, Samuel Coleridge, William Wordsworth, John Keats, Lord Byron and—Mary’s husband—Percy Shelley, who are commonly credited as being the ground-breaking authors of the Romantic movement (Ferguson). A prime example of this method of poetry was introduced in the 1798 collection, Lyrical Ballads. This work, written by Wordsworth and Coleridge, is a compilation...

Words: 3287 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Summary Of The Modern Prometheus: Changing The Perfect

...The Modern Prometheus: Changing the Perfect Enormous open sores and an antibiotic-resistant infection ran through the blood of a forty-three-year-old women from the United States, all results of a surgery she elected to receive: a tummy-tuck (Mozes). After her one choice, to receive plastic surgery, her life was drastically changed, and not for the better. Today’s modern obsession with plastic surgery started in the 1970s and is only progressing. These procedures have gone from being only for the rich to being commonplace for people across the world (Epstein). Originally, plastic surgery was created to improve appearance, by changing what the patient saw as imperfect and helping them feel like their best. Contemporarily, this “fixing” has generated...

Words: 1663 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Zues.

... Zeus’ precise will to punish early mankind for having any benefit through the tricks that Prometheus, the divine benefactor of human beings, played at Zeus’ expense. In the beginning of the story, Zeus thought that since he was the chief god, anything he wanted went his way. Back then, at any meal, gods and goddesses were allowed to pick out what they desired before any other person. So Zeus , being the chief god, “took the largest portion he could see” thinking it was covered with the most meat. When he found out that Prometheus replaced the actual meat with bones, his anger level rose very quickly and that’s when he decided to seek revenge. Zeus thought that just because he was the chief god, every best thing would be made just for him and him alone to devour( in this case). Even though he is chief god, he should at least be considerate of others and not get mad because his expectations were not met. After finding out what Prometheus had done to him, Zeus “declared that men would never have the luxury of fire on earth”. If anybody knew what type of person Zeus was, then getting him angry would not be an option; if Zeus is not happy, then everybody else’s life is going to be miserable. Zeus is so evil, he goes out of his own way to create another source of evil to do the destruction for him. Prometheus, the creator of human beings, had a brother, Epithetheus whom Zeus presented Pandora (Zeus had meant to introduce her...

Words: 503 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Prometheus Quotes

...In mythology, one of the main reasons that the trickster character holds an archetypical position is because they don’t simply symbolize trickery or deceit, they also exhibit intellect and secret knowledge. Specifically in Greek mythology, Prometheus is an excellent examples of a trickster who uses typically frowned upon means to achieve positive ends. “When gods and mortal men divided up an ox; Prometheus audaciously set out the portions, trying to deceive the mind of Zeus” (Devinney/Thury 486). When Zeus demands a sacrifice from humans, Prometheus presents him two different bundles of animal parts. Tricking him by making the bundle with the useful and edible animal parts look unappealing with bones on the top, encouraging Zeus to leave the...

Words: 292 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Comparing The Characters Of Gaea And Prometheus In Anthem

...The characters that are chosen in Anthem to represent Gaea and Prometheus are Liberty 5-3000 and Equality 7-2521. These names were given to these characters because of their role in the story. Gaea and Prometheus were Titans not Gods. Titans were like giants. They had much more power than the Humans. Equality 7-2521 and Liberty 5-3000 had forbidden knowledge and knew more than the World Council of Scholars. In Greek mythology Gaea is the mother of earth and cares for almost everything. Gaea is the continuation of life. Liberty 5-3000 worked in the fields growing crops which helped the Earth. Liberty 5-3000 is Equality 7-2521’s continuation for a new society. Liberty 5-300 becomes pregnant with Equality 7-2521’s Child which is a new...

Words: 329 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

What Is The Relationship Between Hesiod And The Iron Age

...Hesiod evidently didn't value being born during the Iron Age. The Iron age is shown as a time of hardship where a man contently has some kind of trouble to deal with. The Iron Age is a period of pain and labor. A man's principles are non existent and these men are often opposing each other. "No, they'll keep all their praise for the wrongdoer, the man who is violence incarnate and shame and injustice will lie in their hands." This period is also a time where men age quickly and throughout they're life they are presented with problems and pressures to overcome. Hesiod evidently views the Iron Age negatively as this time is described in Hesiod's Works & Days as being ripe with conflict and hardship especially when compared to the previous generations....

Words: 297 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Pride In Bob Dylan's 'Cold Irons Bound'

...“The walls of pride are high and wide Can't see over to the other side” Bob Dylan-"Cold Irons Bound", Time Out of Mind Pride plays a prominent role in the myths of “Prometheus”,“The Archer and the Moon Goddess”, as well as “Nanabush Creates the World”. Though the excess of pride is almost universally condemned, in the myth "Prometheus" however, although it leads to Prometheus's suffering, his excessive pride and defiance are clearly praised, though, perhaps, with some reservations. In the myth, Prometheus provokes Zeus by making mankind an upright shape like that of the gods. Then, disobeying Zeus’s orders. He steals fire from Hephaestus and brings it to mankind. Zeus is bitter about the great advantages that Prometheus has given mankind,...

Words: 263 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Pandora's Box Research Paper

...Pandora from the legendary myth, Pandoras Box, is a great example of a few greek values. Pandora means "all gifted." Pan means all and dora means gift. Pandora was gifted in everything, due to the gifts from the gods. Pandoras tale varies in detail. Each person interrupts it a different way, like art. This shows how beautiful the story really is. It has many valuable lessons to be learned. Pandoras story starts thousands of years ago, in the home of all the lovely gods. Prometheus was a kind god, some say he was too kind. One day, Zeus bitterly hid fire from the humans; fire was the key to their survival. Prometheus saw this, and felt sympathy for the terrified mortals. He decided to steal the fire back from Zeus and entrust it back...

Words: 509 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Prometheus And Zeus Research Paper

...A long time ago there were two brothers one was named Epimetheus and the other was named Prometheus, they were good gods with good hearts. Prometheus got in a lot of trouble with the most powerful god, Zeus, because Prometheus told humans the secret of fire when Zeus had told them not to. As a punishment Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock for many years. Later Zeus went after Prometheus's brother the kind-hearted and gentle, Epimetheus, but Zeus didn't chain him to a rock but instead Zeus had a better idea in mind. Zeus came up with an idea to create a daughter for himself, Zeus had a god named Hephaestus to build her out of clay and bring her to life by Athene and was made beautiful and Hermes taught her to be both charming and deceitful,...

Words: 315 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Prometheus Bound

...“Prometheus Bound” by Peter Paul Rubens and Frans Snyder “Prometheus Bound” by Peter Paul Rubens and Frans Snyder is a personal new favorite painting for me. From the first time I laid eyes on this work of art I was immediately drawn in by the image of this defenseless man, chained up, and the gruesomeness of seeing the an eagle ripping his liver from his side. The tale behind this painting and the process by which the Rubens created this painting are equally fascinating. Being raised Catholic during the Baroque period, much of Ruben’s paintings reflected his religion. He produced religious paintings such as “Daniel in the Lions’ Den”, ”Raising of the Cross”, and “Descent from the Cross.” He worked in a studio where he had other artist working on paintings with him. He had artists who specialized in painting certain forms such as fish, birds, and clouds among many other forms. In “Prometheus Bound” Frans Snyder is actually credited with painting the great eagle. “Prometheus Bound” is about the legend of Prometheus, the Greek Titan who gave fire to humankind, which defied Zeus’s order. As punishment for defying Zeus, Prometheus was bound with chains to the side of Mount Caucasas for eternity. It was here that a great eagle would come every day to feast on Prometheus’s liver. Being a Titan, Prometheus’s liver would regenerate every night and the eagle would come back every day and repeat the excruciating punishment. When I look at “Prometheus Bound” I see dark, mountainous,...

Words: 745 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Literature

...| | | Pandora's Box | Once up a time, a long time ago, Zeus ordered Hephaestus (Aphrodite's husband) to make him a daughter. It was the first woman made out of clay. Hephaestus made a beautiful woman and named her Pandora. Zeus sent his new daughter, Pandora, down to earth so that she could marry Epimetheus, who was a gentle but lonely man. Zeus was not being kind. He was getting even. Epimetheus and Prometheus were brothers. Zeus was mad at one of the brothers, Prometheus, for giving people fire without asking Zeus first. Zeus gave Pandora a little box with a big heavy lock on it. He made her promise never to open the box. He gave the key to Pandora’s husband and told him to never open the box. Zeus was sure that Epimetheus' curiosity would get the better of him, and that either Epimetheus or his brother would open the box. Pandora was very curious. She wanted to see what was inside the box, but Epimetheus said no. Better not. "You know your father," Epimetheus sighed, referring to Zeus. "He’s a tricky one."One day, when Epimetheus lay sleeping, Pandora stole the key and opened the box.Out flew every kind of disease and sickness, hate and envy, and all the bad things that people had never experienced before. Pandora slammed the lid closed, but it was too late. All the bad things were already out of the box. They flew away, out into the world.Epimetheus woke up at the sound of her sobbing. “I opened the box and all these ugly things flew out,” she cried. “I tried...

Words: 353 - Pages: 2