While the novel usually has its title shortened to simply “Frankenstein”, it is the latter half that is the more significant of the two. In Greek mythology, Prometheus disobeyed Zeus by giving fire to mankind; he was punished by being chained to a rock and having his liver eaten out every day by an eagle as punishment. This is a parallel between the god and Dr. Frankenstein himself. By disobeying the laws of nature and creating the monster, Dr. Frankenstein condemns himself to live every day of the rest of his life in misery. Before even opening the book, Shelley has created a major instance of foreshadowing with this allusion – the wise reader can already discern that a seemingly helpful action for a lesser species will result in torment for he who commits it.Source:
"Prometheus." Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion. Web. 23 Aug. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/articles/p/prometheus.html.
Photo Credits:
Prometheus. Digital image. Web. 23 Aug. 2009. http://www.pantheon.org/areas/gallery/mythology/europe/greek/prometheus.gif.
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