Themes: Religion and the Ethics of Creation
The subtitle Shelley gives her novel—“the modern Prometheus”—alerts the reader to the fact that themes of ethics and religion will be of import in the story, which revolves, to a considerable extent, around the question of how far it is right or acceptable to “play God” just because one can. In mythology, Prometheus famously stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. If Frankenstein is a modern Prometheus, then he is not a god himself, but someone who feels it is permissible to intrude into, and interfere with, the interactions between God and humanity which would normally occur. Where God, or nature, may have decreed that what is dead is dead and that people should only be born in the natural way, Frankenstein has taken it upon himself to interrogate and challenge these paradigms.
Once he has succeeded in creating the desired offspring, however, Frankenstein finds himself faced with unanticipated problems. Where humanity was created in the image of God, Frankenstein, too, has sought to create a being of which he could be proud, but ultimately he finds his creation so repulsive that he abandons him and seeks the creature’s death. This raises another ethical question which is debated throughout the novel: how far is a creator required to be a father? Does Frankenstein, as the creature insists, have a responsibility to his creation? Should he ensure that the creature’s life is happy, that he is loved, that he has a companion with whom to spend his time? The creature pursues Frankenstein, insisting that the doctor has shirked his responsibilities—he has not behaved as a father. However, elsewhere in the novel there are examples of fathers, including Frankenstein’s own, who have not behaved in a particularly nurturing or loving manner toward their offspring. By failing to care for what he has created, because he feels it to be a grotesque and monstrous reflection of what humanity should be, is Frankenstein behaving monstrously—or simply like many human fathers? Is he behaving, even, simply like the God of Milton’s Paradise Lost, to which the novel alludes, who cast aside one of his own creations, Lucifer?
Expert Q&A
What is the significance of the books read by Frankenstein's creature?
The books read by Frankenstein's creature play a pivotal role in shaping his perception of humanity and his own existence. Initially, through "Ruins of Empires", he learns about human history, governments, and religions, which also exposes him to the concept of vice and evil. Later, he discovers three books: "Paradise Lost", "Lives" by Plutarch, and "The Sorrows of Werter" by Goethe. These books deepen his understanding of human nature, morality, society, and the dichotomy of his existence, ultimately leading him towards a path of self-loathing and revenge.
What are some biblical allusions in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein?
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, there are several biblical allusions. In chapter four, Victor likens himself to God by re-animating life, referencing the creation story in Genesis. In chapter fifteen, the Creature compares himself to both Adam and Satan from Milton's Paradise Lost. Additionally, Victor and Walton's quest for forbidden knowledge parallels Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.
How is the Prometheus myth used as an allusion in Frankenstein?
The Prometheus myth is used as an allusion in Frankenstein to highlight Victor's overreach in creating life, paralleling Prometheus's defiance of Zeus by giving fire to humanity. Both figures suffer severe consequences for their transgressions: Prometheus is eternally punished, and Victor endures isolation and torment. While Prometheus remains loyal to his creation, Victor abandons his, underscoring his selfishness and cruelty.
Why was it ethically wrong for Frankenstein to create a monster in Frankenstein?
It was ethically wrong for Frankenstein to create the monster because he was motivated by selfish desires rather than the benefit of humankind. He sought personal glory and adoration, neglecting the potential catastrophic consequences. Additionally, Frankenstein's own feelings of loathing and his withdrawal from nature and relationships indicate that his actions were inherently unethical and unhealthy.
Exploring moral ambiguity in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein explores moral ambiguity through the complex characters of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Victor's pursuit of scientific knowledge leads to unintended consequences, raising questions about the morality of playing God. The creature, despite committing violent acts, evokes sympathy due to his initial innocence and desire for acceptance. This duality challenges clear distinctions between right and wrong.
Frankenstein's Creature: Adam or Satan?
Frankenstein's creature is often compared to both Adam and Satan, reflecting complex themes in Mary Shelley's novel. Like Adam, he is the first of his kind, created without choice and cast into the world, paralleling Adam's expulsion from Eden. However, the creature identifies more with Satan due to his feelings of envy and isolation, akin to Satan’s fall in Paradise Lost. This duality highlights his struggle between good and evil, and his quest for identity and belonging.
Mary Shelley's warning and message in Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's warning in Frankenstein is about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge without considering the ethical consequences. The novel emphasizes the potential for scientific advancements to lead to unintended and destructive outcomes if not guided by moral responsibility.
How does the myth of Prometheus relate to Frankenstein and Fahrenheit 451?
What is the Christian element in Frankenstein?
Christian elements in Frankenstein include allegories of creation and fall from grace. Frankenstein's creation of the Monster parallels God's creation of Adam, but unlike God, who creates out of love, Frankenstein acts out of selfishness, reflecting hubris. The Monster's quest for knowledge mirrors Adam's fall. Additionally, Justine's story introduces themes of guilt and divine punishment, highlighting the fear of failing to earn God's love. These elements critique the dangers of playing God and abandoning moral responsibility.
Victor's responsibilities to his creation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Victor's responsibilities to his creation in Frankenstein include providing companionship, guidance, and care. As the creator, he should have ensured the creature's well-being and integration into society. Instead, Victor's abandonment leads to the creature's suffering and eventual quest for revenge.
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