Frankenstein: Themes and Mythology

What is the main theme of Frankenstein?

Which mythological figure serves as a parallel to Victor Frankenstein in the context of ambition and punishment?

What element typically found in Gothic novels is absent in Frankenstein?

Which character from mythology ignored warnings from a parent leading to tragedy?

What consequence does Icarus face for his ambition?

How is Victor Frankenstein described in the context of his scientific endeavor?

What does Ulysses represent in the context of ambition and transgression?

What term describes the arrogance against gods as seen in figures like Prometheus and Victor Frankenstein?

Frankenstein: Themes and Mythology

Frankenstein explores the Romantic fascination with science's impact on humanity and Gothic horror elements.
It contrasts with classic Gothic novels by replacing supernatural elements with scientific ambition.
The novel centers on the pursuit of knowledge and its risks when exceeding human limitations.

Victor Frankenstein's Hubris

Victor Frankenstein's ambition leads him to defy limitations by creating life from dead body parts through electric shocks.
He mirrors the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and was punished.
The parallel highlights the consequences of exceeding human boundaries and defying natural laws.

Icarus and Ulysses: Further Examples of Hubris

Icarus, defying warnings, flew too close to the sun with wings made of wax, demonstrating the dangers of overreach.
Ulysses, the Greek hero, pushed beyond known boundaries, prioritizing ambition over reason, resulting in his companions' deaths.
Dante's Inferno criticizes Ulysses's adventurous spirit, emphasizing the limits humans should not cross.

Exploring Limits and Knowledge in Dante's Inferno

Dante criticizes Ulysses's pursuit of knowledge beyond recognized limits, emphasizing obedience to divine order.
Dante's journey is a contrast, exploring both the physical and spiritual spheres beyond what is attainable through human reason.
Both Ulysses and Dante's journeys represent quests for knowledge, yet have differing outcomes reflecting both recognition and transgression of boundaries.

This quiz delves into the themes and mythology present in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. It examines the interplay between Romantic fascination with science and the Gothic horror elements, exploring the consequences of hubris through characters like Victor Frankenstein, Icarus, and Ulysses. Test your understanding of these crucial themes within the novel's context.