Allusions in Frankenstein by Mary Shelly Magaly R. Sarai P. and Izamar S. Per.4

Rime of the Ancient Mariner Written by Samuel T. Coleridge (written in 1797–98) Tells the story of an ancient mariner who brings a curse upon himself and his crew at sea after killing an albatross (a creature of God) and feels that the only way he can be forgiven for his actions is to tell his story to whoever needs to hear it. The ancient mariner feels compelled to tell his story so he can unburden his soul and teach a lesson to those he meets.

Victor feels himself to be the ancient mariner who feels compelled to tell his story to Robert Walton in order to help him understand of the dangers of his curiosity and want for glory in discovering the unknown. In the poem, the ancient mariner learns of the grave mistake of killing a creature of God instead of showing it love and compassion. Shelley constantly alludes to this, and it serves to give the reader a sense that Frankenstein’s tragic story could’ve been avoided if he had only shown some love to his creation. “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.”

Cornelius Agrippa Victor Frankenstein was inspired by this author to bring life to lifeless matter however, his professor M. Krempe discouraged him from such ideas. “In this house I chanced to find a volume of the works of Cornelius Agrippa…the theory which he attempts to demonstrate, and the wonderful facts he relates, soon changes this feeling into enthusiasm. A new light seemed to dawn upon my mind . . . (21)”.

Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus Other alchemist that inspired Victor Frankenstein. Though discouraged from these ideas by M. Krempe his other professor M. Waldman believed that these scientist were important to the foundation of other sciences. “These were the men to whose indefatigable zeal philosophers were indebted for most of the foundation of their knowledge” (33).

Adam and Eve In Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein she alludes to Adam and Eve. As the reader we see this in various occasions in which the Creature reproaches Frankenstein for not caring for him like Adam’s creator cared for him and Eve. He tells him that instead of being nurtured and cared for like a child or Adam he was abandon like a fallen angel. “ Oh Frankenstein, be not equitable to every other and trample upon me alone, to whom the justice, and even thy clemency and thy affection is most due. Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom drivest from joy for no misdeed”p.81

Adam and Eve being tempted by Satan disguised as a serpent.

Modern Prometheus However unlike Frankenstein, Prometheus cared for what he created because he returned fire to man regardless of the consequences. But Victor Frankenstein didn’t demonstrate any form of affection towards his creature. According to Greek mythology Prometheus shaped man out of clay and Athena breathed life into the clay man. Prometheus cared for man enough to trick Zeus in order to return fire to man “I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter.”p.37 They both created a form of man.

Sorrows of Werter It is written in epistolary like the letters Sorrows of Werter allude to Elizabeth because she and Lotte they were both left to care for their younger family. It also alludes to Frankenstein because he becomes friends of Clerval and Elizabeth only to soon be separated from them. This novel does not only serve as an allusion but an eye opener for the Creature. The Creature gains a lot of understanding of emotions from this novel. He compares himself to that of thee character, he also realizes that there is much more sorrow on this earth than there is happiness.

Plutarch’s Lives From these series of letters in Plutarch’s Lives the Creature is gaining a sense for vices and virtues which man usually develops through knowledge and experience. “I learned from Werter’s imagination despondency and gloom, but Plutarch taught me high thoughts; elevated me above the wretched sphere of my own reflections, to admire and love the heroes of past ages.”

Paradise Lost “ Like Adam, I was apparently united by no link to any other being of existence; but his state was far different from mine in every other respect. He had come forth from the hands of God a perfect creature, happy and prosperous, guarded by the special care of his creator; he was allowed to converse with and acquire knowledge from beings of a superior nature, but I was wretched, helpless, and alone. Many times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition…” Paradise Lost tells the tale of the fall of man according to the Bible When the Creature reads this story he relates himself to Lucifer because they both felt doubt and guilt for their actions The Creature murders Frankenstein’s family and Lucifer tempts Eve with the tree of knowledge

What do you think is the significance of these allusions to Frankenstein?