FRANKENSTEIN: THE MODERN DAY PROMETHEUS

The modern masters promise very little. . . . but these philosophers. . . have indeed performed miracles. . . . They have discovered how the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe. They have acquired new and almost unlimited powers; they can command the thunders of heaven, mimic the earthquake, and even mock the invisible world with its own shadows.

Professor Waldman to his class at the University of Ingolstadt
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, 1818

The novel by Mary Shelley deals with the dawning of a new age of knowledge, mastery of new power over the body through medical science and the gateway to power over the world. Dr Frankenstein's quest for mastery over life and creation through this new found power leads to the creation of the "monster". Abandoned by his creator and met with fear and violence when he encounters people the "monster" seeks acceptance among the world, when that fails he seeks revenge.

i think that this fear of the "monster", or the different is as apt in today's world as it was in Mary Shelley's, distrust and intolerance seems to be the norm for todays society even towards each other. the warnings of the thirst for power is also relevant with the advancement of technology in the world reaching science fiction levels. this book deals with many issues that are relevant and important in the world today.

i also think that the ideas in this story are relevant to my project in similar ways, the component of electricity is a main part of the story being a symbol for scientific knowledge and creation. electricity is the spark that brings the "monster" to life. the darker emotions and violence portrayed in the story also relates to themes i want to explore in my work.