What aspects of the story are illuminated

through Shelley’s epigraph and subtitle

Mary Shelley’s Gothic Novel, ‘Frankenstein’, is interestingly assigned the subtitle, ‘The Modern
Prometheus Myth’, which arguably acts as a vessel for the writer to foreshadow the events which
are about to unfold and the potential consequences which characters may face; consequences which
ultimately resulted from Victor’s desire to unravel “the secrets of heaven and earth”. Such audacious
comments highlight his unchecked ambitions and lust to cross the boundaries of mankind, and it is
this transgression of boundaries which impacts the lives of those around him. The Greek Legend of
the Roman Prometheus Myth entails the story of Prometheus, who was a benefactor and supportive
pillar of earth. He stole the fire from the heavens and gifted it to mankind - a decision which
surpassed the boundaries of greater celestial beings, consequently leaving him to face eternal
damnation of being anchored to a rock and have his liver pecked out by an eagle everyday, once it
grew back; an indescribable cycle which he is chained to as result of his actions. Such harrowing
events are reflective of Victor’s narrative and the chain of events which occur in Shelley’s novel as he
becomes consumed by the idea of “a new species bless[ing] me as its creator and source”, which
illuminates the idea of how he attempts to take on the role of god, shown through the hyperbolic
statement made by Victor. His utter awe and tone of fascination emphasises how he doesn’t
comprehend his vice actions and the possible consequences which it may have; in the same way in
which Prometheus thought he was being altruistic with his actions, when in reality he breaks the
limitations set against him. Whilst Victor’s ambition to “Pioneer a new way” reflects a progression in
science and advocates the age of enlightenment, yet simultaneously brings a spotlight upon the
dangers of experimenting with science and the unknown : the creation of the creature brought pain,
anguish and eternal loss to his life, as the innocent lives of those around him were taken, including
William, Elizabeth and Clerval. The juxtaposition between his innocence and tragic death further
enhances the hollowness and anguish which is introduced in Victor’s life: “bright and joyous … die so
miserably; to feel the murderer’s grasp!”. A sense of anguish with Prometheus is forced to face on a
daily occasion, which illustrates the significance of the subtitle of the Novel, ‘The Modern
Prometheus Myth’, as the Greek God mirrors the character of Frankenstein in a plethora of ways,
ultimately connecting the fictional and nonfictional worlds together.

Furthermore, the writer of the Gothic literature introduces the text with an epigraph from Paradise
lost by John Milton, which discusses the biblical story of Adam and Eve, as well as the banishing of
the angel Lucifer, from the lands of heaven - such abandonments can be seen amongst the creature,
as his own creator treated him unfairly due to the physiognomies against him, leaving him in a state
of isolation. Shelley incorporates the epigraph, where Adam mourns his fallen condition : “Did I
frequent thee, Maker, from my clay To mould me man? Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote
me?”, which provides an avenue for the creature to make comparisons to himself with Adam, as he
is also a figure who tries to do good by maintaining a moral compass initially, such as providing
resources to the Delacys by “brought home firing for my protectors”, yet was forced to be corrupted
due to the physical actions taken against him and the excruciating words piercing him, such as Victor
addressing him as a ‘Vile insect…abhorred creature’ and when he attempts to save a young girl yet
got a harmed, “aimed a gun, which he carried, at my body and fired.” - the simple sentence
emphasises the lack of hesitation of the violence committed against him and enhances how he is
demonised as a character. The creature itself ignites it’s fascination with Paradise Lost in chapter 15,
as he laments “Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being in existence… but I
was wretched, helpless, and alone.”. Evident parallels are demonstrated between the creature and
Adam as both are abandoned by their creators are forced to suffer, yet the creature’s sufferings is
amplified as he was provided no guidance from the moment he was brought onto earth - it is this
lack of nurture which caused his moral compass distorting and fueling his sense of revenge against
mankind. The list of 3, “wretched, helpless and alone” showcases the painful experiences which he
faced in his life. Interestingly enough, both Adam’s comment from the epigraph, and in creature
narrative, brings about an accusatory tone against their creators, with both figures questioning why
they were created: “Why did you form a monster so hideous”. The quote reflects the creature's
awareness of his own deformity and his profound sense of loneliness and isolation. By asking why he
was made so hideous, the creature is questioning not only his own existence but also the choices
and motivations of his creator, as he suffers through the trials and tribulations resulting from the
harsh judgement of society. Overall it is clear to see the significance of the epigraph as Shelley allows
her character to draw biblical parallels and heighten the sufferings which he faces.