Frankenstein and PrometheusWhat do a mad scientist and a Greek god have in common? In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley was inspired by the tale of Prometheus to give the book the subtitle The Modern Prometheus. Victor Frankenstein, the main character of Frankenstein, and Prometheus are parallel to each other because of their family status, the creation of humanity, and their punishment for shaping man. Prometheus was born into a highly recognized family. His father Iapetus was a Titan and his mother Clymene an Oceanid. Additionally, his uncle Cronus was the father of the famous god Zeus (Atsma). Victor Frankenstein was also born into a famous family. I am Genevan by birth, and my family is one of the most distinguished in this republic. My ancestors had been councilors and trustees for many years, and my father had filled several public positions with honor and reputation. He was respected by all who knew him for his integrity and tireless attention to public affairs. (Shelley 17) Another characteristic that Frankenstein and Prometheus possess is the determination to create life. Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus worked for the Olympians and their mission was to create man. Epimetheus gave man fur, wings, strength and speed. Prometheus knew that humanity needed a way to defend itself. He stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. If Prometheus did not provide humans with fire, they would be lost in darkness (Hunting). While Prometheus created man through fire, Victor Frankenstein also created life through his intuition. “I saw how the beautiful form of man was degraded and wasted; I have seen the corruption of death succeed the flowery cheek of life” (Shelley 37). Victor Frankenstein...... middle of paper...... three of Victor's relatives and his closest friend, Henry Clerval. It took away all the happiness he had from Victor and changed his outlook on life. "Oh! Stars, clouds and winds, you are all about to laugh at me; if you really pity me, crush the sensations and the memory; let me become like nothing; but if not, go away, go away and leave me in darkness” (Shelley 128). Frankenstein was so angry that he too wanted revenge. However, at the end of the novel, Victor dies and is never satisfied with what he accomplished. Through the life of Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelley shows how much he resembles the Greek god Prometheus. Both grew up in prestigious families and knew how to create humanity through their own works. life, but were chastised for their determination to establish life Frankenstein is the modern Prometheus..