The subtitle "The Modern Prometheus" holds significant meaning in relation to Mary Shelley's novel, Frankenstein. The subtitle is a literary allusion that adds depth and layers of interpretation to the work. It refers to the myth of Prometheus from ancient Greek mythology, specifically the story of Prometheus stealing fire from the gods to give to humanity.
Prometheus was a Titan in Greek mythology who was known for his cleverness and his willingness to challenge the gods. According to the myth, Prometheus stole fire from Mount Olympus and bestowed it upon humans, enabling them to acquire knowledge and technology. This act of defying the gods' authority and empowering humanity with divine knowledge earned Prometheus severe punishment from Zeus, the king of the gods. Zeus chained Prometheus to a rock, and every day, an eagle would eat his liver, which would regenerate overnight, causing eternal torment.
The subtitle "The Modern Prometheus" holds several layers of significance in the context of Shelley's novel:
Victor Frankenstein's Ambition: Like Prometheus, Victor Frankenstein seeks to defy the natural order and elevate humanity by creating life. Victor's pursuit of scientific knowledge and his ambition to create life from non-living matter parallel Prometheus's act of stealing fire from the gods and imparting knowledge to humans.
Bringing Life to the Lifeless: Both Prometheus and Victor are creators who bring life to what was lifeless. Prometheus brought fire, a symbol of life and knowledge, to humans, and Victor brings the Creature to life through his experiment, animating dead tissue.
Consequences of Defying the Natural Order: Just as Prometheus faced severe consequences for his defiance, Victor also suffers greatly due to his ambition. The Creature's creation leads to tragic events and the destruction of Victor's life and family, illustrating the consequences of tampering with the forces of life and death.
Empowering Humanity: Both Prometheus and Victor's actions have a profound impact on humanity. Prometheus's gift of fire allows humans to progress in knowledge and civilization, while Victor's creation of the Creature changes the course of human history, leading to moral dilemmas and questioning the boundaries of human potential.