Who is prometheus

Prometheus is a figure from Greek mythology who is probably best remembered for his theft of fire from the gods on Mount Olympus. Like many other characters in Greek mythology , there are a number of stories about Prometheus and his life, and he has appeared in classical Greek literature and plays.

His gift of fire to mankind is sometimes thought of as a double edged sword, since with fire comes technological advancement and knowledge, two things which make human life more challenging in addition to more enjoyable. According to most myths, Prometheus was a Titan, one of a race of older gods who ruled Greece until the Olympian gods arose. Some myths have Prometheus himself creating humans from clay, and Zeus withholding fire from the men because he was displeased by them.

In other myths, Prometheus tricked Zeus into picking bones over meat, leading Zeus to withhold fire as a punishment. The Titan was also gifted with the ability of foresight, and he allegedly foretold the downfall of Zeus at the hands of one of his children, but he wouldn't divulge a name, infuriating Zeus. After Prometheus stole fire from the Gods and brought it to humans, Zeus supposedly chained Prometheus to a rock as a punishment. A bird, usually an eagle but a vulture in some stories, was stationed over Prometheus to tear out his liver repeatedly, as his liver grew back every day.

Since Prometheus is sometimes portrayed as an associate and friend of Zeus, this punishment is often framed as a serious betrayal.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Mary Shelley was influenced by this tale. Her husband Percy Shelley even began composing his own tale of Prometheus in the form of a poem entitled, Prometheus Unbound. He began composing this work right around the same time that Mary was publishing Frankenstein. Aside from the title, Shelley borrows from the tale of Prometheus a sense of consequence resulting from seeking enlightenment and power.

Victor is her modern incarnation of Prometheus. He as Prometheus was, is fascinated by the power of electricity lightning.

We can recall from the narrative the moment when he becomes captivated by its fantastical power. It is from this power, that he has equipped himself with, that the inner torture he will suffer from the use of it stems. Immediately following the creation if the creature, Victor is ill with disgust for what he has done. His torture mirrors that of Prometheus'; undying and eternal. From the beginning of the novel, when Victor warns Walton of the consequences of his quest, to the conclusion when Victor again reiterates the misfortunes he has suffered as a result of his curiosity, Mary Shelley mimics the Prometheus tale.

Perhaps, this is why she saw it as a fitting subtitle.