Frankenstein, the classic novel written by English author Mary Shelley in the early 1800s, was deeply influenced by Christianity, which played an imperative role in early European culture of the 19th century. Shelley's novel is full of biblical parallels as it tells the story of a young scientist in search of knowledge, Victor Frankenstein, and his monstrous human-inspired creation. Through direct biblical references in the novel, comments from literacy critics, and allusions to other literary works, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein promotes an overwhelming and undeniable notion that God will intervene and punish those who attempt to usurp his role of creator and destroyer of life. Victor Frankenstein gains the knowledge and abilities necessary to create life, he diminishes the role of God as he performs a task that, as Christians believe, only God should perform. Before Victor finishes off the monster, he says: "Learn from me... how dangerous is the acquisition of knowledge, and how much happier is that man who believes that his native city is the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will permit” (Shelley 50). By nature, Mary Shelley refers to God, as she warns man not to challenge Him or seek to be more powerful than Him. literary critic Anne Mellor wrote: "Instead of submitting [Victor Frankenstein] to the will of community and family, the scientist asserts his ego by questioning the laws of nature", once again using “nature” as a reference to God (Mellor, Anne K). These warnings about the danger that accompanies the search for knowledge allude to the biblical story of The Creation of Adam and Eve. Victor Frankenstein's knowledge of creation. of life can be seen in the context of Adam...... middle of paper...... verse. Frankenstein is originally a novel that aims to harness the power of God, to depict his intolerance towards those who aim to threaten his greatness, and to serve as an example of what happens when man challenges the greatness of God. ReferencesAllingham, Phillip V. "Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" (1818) — A Summary of Modern Criticism. Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" (1818) - A Summary of Modern Criticism. Victorian Web ed. Np, January 24, 2003. Web. November 24, 2013. The Bible. Mellor, Anne K. “The Female in Frankenstein.” ed. Anne K. Mellor: Indiana University Press, 1988. Pp. 220-232. , John. Paradise Lost. Np: Gale Ecco, Print Editions, 2010. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus, 2004. Print..