This document discusses allusions in Frankenstein to other literary works and their significance. It analyzes quotes from Victor Frankenstein that allude to Coleridge's Ancient Mariner, suggesting Victor sees himself as a warned suffering like the Mariner. The full title of Frankenstein also alludes to Prometheus, revealing Victor's daring and ambitious but also hubristic nature in usurping God's role. The document then discusses how the Monster is likened to both Adam in Paradise Lost in his innocence but also Satan in his vengeance, showing his complex character. Finally, the allusions are said to highlight themes like the limits of science and ambition and warnings against disturbing the natural order.
2. Starter Look at the quotes Who is speaking/where/which text is the allusion to? What are do they suggest about the characters and themes
3. What are the allusions used for? Characters – Victor ‘You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been’ – Victor ‘I am going to unexplored regions, to “the land of mist and snow;” but I shall kill no albatross, therefore do not be alarmed for my safety, or if I should come back to you as worn and woeful as the “Ancient Mariner.”’ - The full title of the novel is ‘Frankenstein – the new Prometheus’ What does this reveal about Victor’s character? ‘ A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me. No father could claim the gratitude of his child so completely as I should deserve theirs.’ - Victor
4. What are the allusions used for? Comparisons to the AM – a man who has suffered, telling his story as a warning to other people. Using this allusion helps us magnify the sense of his guilt and physical and emotional suffering understood by the reader. Is he punished by God too? The New Prometheus – show us both the positive and negative characteristics. He is brave, daring, ambitious and alturistic in wanting to remove death as a cause of human misery. But like Prometheus he usurps the role of God and women, is over ambitious and therefore suffers eternal punishment.
5. What are the allusions used for? The Monster Paradise lost – how is he Adam? How is he Satan?
6. What are the allusions used for? The monster is at once innocent like and Adam and murderous and vengeful like the devil. The allusion reveals the complexity of his character –thewild contradictions in emotions, the differences in his actions and beliefs We also see his intelligence and sensitivity through his reading of Paradise Lost and ability to apply the text to his own situation
8. What are the allusions used for? Themes – Ambition – like Prometheus and the AM, Victor is punished for disturbing natural order A warning about the limits of man/science and the power of God. Shelly’s criticism of Enlightenment thinking – the assumption that everything could be conquered by science An implied criticism of the men of the romantic movement?
9. Example What’s good about the response How do you think the rest of it should be structured? Finish the analysis of the quote and sum up the usefulness of the allusions to the AM
