Frankensteinor The Modern Prometheus

By

Mary

Shelley

Elements of Romanticism Reason -> Imagination Formal -> Personal Experiences Individual Passion & Inspiration Symbolism Past or Inner Dream World Individual Liberty & Rebellion Fascination with Nature

Major Characters Victor Frankenstein – Protagonist Creature Henry Clerval Elizabeth Frankenstein – wife Robert Walton – ship captain

Themes

Consequences of irresponsibility Consequences of society’s rejection of

someone who is not attractive Destructive Power of Revenge Conflict between parent and child Sympathy

Symbols White = knowledge; followed by pain,

loneliness, and death Alps = Nature; inspires awe & terror Water = knowledge, communication,

tranquility, immortality Ice = danger Lightning = power; good & bad Nature = tranquility & inspiration; outdoors

Other Literary Elements Irony Antithesis – contrast within same statement Allusion – Bible (God & Adam) Mythology – Prometheus gave fire to man

to become God’s equal