IndexTheological parallels: "The modern Prometheus"Challenge to the creator-creation dynamicThe role of women in "Frankenstein"Conclusion"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, considered an innovative work of the 19th century, represents a classic in modern horror literature. Numerous themes emerge in the intricate narrative tapestry, but the two that most dominate the novel are feminism and religion. This essay aims to further explore these themes by examining how Mary Shelley skillfully weaves them into her work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayTheological Parallels: “The Modern Prometheus”The alternative title of the novel, “The Modern Prometheus,” has significant relevance to the religious aspect of “Frankenstein.” Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, Shelley compares his protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, to the titan Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to give it to humanity. This parallel becomes evident as Victor delves into the creation of life, essentially challenging God's divine authority. Victor's bold attempt to build life out of disparate human limbs raises profound questions about the power and status of God. Emulating the In the act of creation, Victor rises to a level similar to God's omnipotence. Throughout the narrative, Victor's actions continually question divine authority, underlining the presence of religious overtones. Biblical references, ranging from direct quotes to symbolic images, punctuate the novel, underscoring Mary Shelley's penchant for exploring the intersection of science and religion. Furthermore, Shelley's deep affinity for the natural world and its inherent beauty shines through in "Frankenstein." The Romantic era, in which the novel was written, celebrated the allure of nature. While the beauty of nature is described throughout the book, it serves a deeper purpose, alluding to the inherent beauty of humanity itself, juxtaposed with humanity's propensity to neglect or despoil it. This theme of the duality of nature, captivating and vulnerable, resonates with other poets of the Romantic era, such as Robert Browning in "My Last Duchess." In Browning's poem, the protagonist shares striking similarities with Victor Frankenstein, both harboring a belief in their superiority over God or life itself. This is evident in Browning's line, "The setting of daylight in the west," where the character asserts his own centrality, similar to Victor's desire to reshape the laws of nature. Both characters manipulate life, with Victor creating the Creature and the Duke deciding the fate of his Duchess. These parallels shed light on their shared delusions of grandeur and suggest their potential mental instability. In essence, the religious imagery in "Frankenstein" extends to the Creature's very character. While Victor perceives himself as a God-like creator, the Creature inadvertently takes on the role of Lucifer, the fallen angel who rebelled against God. This parallel highlights Victor's portrayal of the Creature as a malevolent figure, similar to Victor's defiance. Satan to divine authority. However, an alternative perspective suggests that the Creature's actions resemble those of Lucifer's rebellion against God, understanding the complexities of his creator's role and seeking punishment. This biblical allusion gains further depth from John Milton's "Paradise Lost," which served as a significant source of inspiration for Shelley. When the Creature ventures into the world, he becomes fascinated by the poem, identifying with the characters, inparticular with Satan (formerly Lucifer). This connection reinforces the comparison between the Creature and the fallen angel, highlighting the novel's intricate layering of religious motifs. Challenging the Creator-creation Dynamic Another compelling biblical passage alluded to within “Frankenstein” is the Creature’s reference to Adam from the story of Adam and Eve. After its creation, the Creature desires a mate, similar to how God created Eve for Adam. He feels isolated, disconnected, and incomplete, similar to Adam's initial state of loneliness. The quote, "Like Adam, I was apparently united by no bond with any other being in existence," emphasizes his desire for companionship and a sense of belonging, paralleling Adam's desire for Eve. The Creature, in his eyes, perceives Victor as his God, the one who brought him into existence, and therefore expects the fulfillment of his desire for a companion, his "Eve". This thematic exploration of creation and companionship extends to Victor Frankenstein himself. Victor, initially driven by intellectual curiosity and ambition, takes on the role of creator when he brings the Creature to life. He becomes the arbiter of the Creature's fate, similar to how God shaped Adam's fate. This power dynamic between creator and creation is a central theme, and Shelley invites readers to contemplate the ethical implications of exercising such power over another being. The Creature's request for a female partner reveals his desire for a sense of community and belonging, mirroring Adam's initial desire for companionship. Both beings are thrown into a world they don't fully understand, desperate for connection. This longing for companionship serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition, highlighting the universal desire for connection and belonging. The Role of Women in “Frankenstein” In addition to exploring the creator-creation dynamic through religious themes, “Frankenstein” also offers thought-provoking commentary on the role of women in 19th-century society. Mary Shelley's experiences as a writer in a male-dominated literary world likely influenced her depiction of women in the novel. During this era, women faced limited opportunities and often lived within the confines of a male-dominated society. Shelley subtly criticizes the social perception of women as assets rather than equal partners. This notion becomes evident when the Creature, in her search for companionship, imposes a subjective and objectifying role on the female creature she wishes to be created. She imagines her existence solely for his possession and control, defining her destiny before she even comes into the world. This depiction serves as a poignant commentary on how women were often seen as objects or tools to satisfy men's desires and expectations during the 19th century. Furthermore, the very narrative structure of the novel reflects the limited role of women in the society of that time. The story is narrated exclusively by male characters, illustrating the absence of female voices and perspectives. This narrative choice reflects the reality of Mary Shelley's position, living in the shadow of her more famous male contemporaries such as Lord Byron and her husband, Percy Shelley, whose works received more recognition and respect. In "Frankenstein", Elizabeth, Victor's beloved, embodies the idealized female character of the time. She is portrayed as the perfect woman, reflecting women's traditional roles in the domestic sphere. Her character mainly revolves around taking care of the children and waiting for Victor to return for the wedding. Despite its importance to Victor and the narrative, the.