FRANKENSTEINInfluences & Themes

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A MODERN PROMETHEUS

• The second title for the book is A Modern Prometheus.

• Prometheus was a titan in Greek mythology, who created mankind. He then secretly took fire from heaven and gave it to them.

• When Zeus discovered this, he sentenced Prometheus to be eternally punished by fixing him to a rock where each day an eagle would peck out his liver, only for the liver to regrow the next day.

• Fire is the gift that hurts in the end, such as the Industrial Revolution—Man is given too much power and abuses it.

INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

Philosophy – (love of wisdom) is the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, and the meaning of life.

Celestial map by Frederik de Wit

INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

• Natural Philosophy - the study of nature before the development of modern science.

Celestial map by Frederik de Wit

• Alchemy – an early form of chemistry practiced in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.• Combines science and

speculative philosophy

• Often associated with magic

• Focused on the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone and the Elixir of Life

INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher’s StoneJoseph Wright, oil on canvas, 1771

• Tabula Rasa – Latin for “blank slate,” is a philosophical concept formed by 17th century British philosopher John Locke• At birth, our minds are a blank or empty slate• All knowledge comes from experience• Nature vs. Nurture

INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

• Sublime – concept that nature evokes a strong sense of awe, wonder, and beauty.

INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN

THEMES IN FRANKENSTEIN

• Ambition• Limits of science• Doppelganger• Sublime Nature• Role of parents