Frankenstein

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Michelle Blaise

Instructor

English 101

30 of March 2013

My Analysis of Mary Shelley's Novel "Frankenstein"

The major themes involved in "Frankenstein" are the process of creation, destruction, re-

creation, and monstrosity. Mary Shelley expresses her themes in a variety of styles throughout

her settings, constructively utilizing similes and metaphors. She begins by referencing the

mythological greek god Prometheus and Lucifer in the subtitle of this novel. It is entitled "The

Modern Prometheus." This is the introduction to one of the main characters, Victor, and his want

to be as Prometheus and Lucifer were. Through Victor’s discoveries he was trying to possess the

mystical powers held by only God Himself, as did Prometheus and Lucifer.

Prometheus, Lucifer, and Victor were thoughtful and good at heart. Prometheus taught

humans the arts of mathematics, agricultural, medicine and science; creating the advancement of

civilizations. He “tricked” Zeus in order to reintroduce fire to humans which, in turn, helped

humanity begin to thrive. Lucifer was originally an angel of God’s. He was created by God to be

glorious and full of graciousness as a chosen servant of God’s people. Similarly, Victor had

plans to promote science and the advancement of life through his desired education at the

university. He would have been surrounded by other people of his similar "statute" and

intellectual level, devoting all his time to scientific research and development had he not been

completely traumatized by his mother's undo passing.

All three of the above mentioned characters were consumed with a desire to recreate

man. Prometheus created man out of clay. Lucifer desired God’s power to resurrect man and

was, consequently, removed from the angelic order, by God, because he could not sustain his

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great want for this divine power. Victor mourned his mother’s death so much that he was