Frankenstein 2

Acts of rebellion are present throughout the ages by a wide range of individuals. The myth of Prometheus is a prime example of such behavior and the tale of Frankenstein is a modern retelling of it; making Frankenstein a "Promethean character". There is a common theme present in both stories along with two main characters that experience an unfortunate fate because of their actions.

By creating the creature, Frankenstein goes against the natural laws of the world and how life is supposed to be made. He refuses to abide by the rules of life and creates man, essentially taking that power away from God just as Prometheus did when he created civilization and stole fire from Zeus. Frankenstein's obsession and passion with knowledge and the unknown are very similar to Prometheus who was also very intelligent and helped man create civilization. Eventually their ambition and hunger led to an unfortunate fate of misery and  pain. For Frankenstein he was plagued with his abominable creature who killed everyone close to him and made his life a living hell. Prometheus was chained to rocks and had his liver eaten daily, done so by Zeus whom Prometheus betrayed. In the end both learned their lesson to not undermine the Gods and the natural order of the world.

The hunger and drive for more knowledge is what connects the two characters Frankenstein and Dr. Faustus. Their want for more leads both of them down a disastrous road which they can no longer make right. As both men acquire knowledge from books, they soon have an urge to learn even more; more than anyone else knows. The element of magic fascinates both men and so they go to extreme lengths to learn even more. Frankenstein surrounds himself with his work and completes a creation which haunts him for the rest of his life. Dr. Faustus makes an agreement with the Devil to learn more and acquire the power of magic for 24 years but must take is soul when the time is up. Their thirst for power blinded them from the truth and both experienced a gruesome fate because of it.