Prometheus The Myth Of Prometheus - 1819 Words

As legend dictates, the myth of Prometheus represents one of the most cruel and heartbreaking depictions of what it means to betray authority in doing what one believes to be best. As the myth goes, Prometheus was a Titan instrumental who was instrumental in shaping the human race. In order to make man feel less vulnerable and weak, Prometheus decided to steal fire from the forges of Hephaestus so that humans could create tools out of metal; he sought to empower humans in their struggles with this gift. However, Zeus was angry with Prometheus for his transgression, and therefore punished him by isolating him and chaining him to a rock, and sending an eagle each and every day to peck out his liver for all of eternity (Cartwright). Stories like those of the Titan have been captured via art throughout history. Both the Renaissance and the Baroque period referred back to and paid homage to many classical elements of Greco-Roman culture through architecture, sculpture, and painting. This classical influence, along with a renewed devotion to religion inspired by the Counter-Reformation, used art to inspire emotion in the churchgoers’ and the general public audience. One of these artists was the Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens, who painted both religious and mythological scenes. One of his greatest works was a gigantic canvas representing the punishment of Prometheus that was co-painted with his assistant, Frans Snyders. Rubens’ Prometheus Bound represents how mythologicalShow MoreRelated Comparing Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and the Prometheus Myth2182 Words   |  9 PagesFrankenstein and the Prometheus Myth Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is subtitled The Modern Prometheus, and rightfully so. Prometheus, the Titan of Greek mythology that created man and gave them fire, is a fitting symbol for Victor Frankenstein, the man who created a monster and gave him life. The most obvious aspect of the similarity between Frankenstein and the Prometheus myth is the underlying theme - both stories deal with ill-fated actions with tragic consequences. The classic Prometheus stories,Read MoreEssay on The Myth of Prometheus and Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1296 Words   |  6 PagesShelley’s Frankenstein is similar to that of a Greek tragedy and namely the myth of the titan, Prometheus. The characters as well as the plot are all similar between the two stories. Many have argued that Frankenstein is based on the Prometheus myth. I will attempt to show that there are many different parts of Frankenstein that are remarkably similar to the myth and draw a comparison between the two stories. The story of Prometheus is similar in many ways to that of Frankenstein. In Frankenstein, VictorRead MoreThe Myth of Prometheus in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay1192 Words   |  5 PagesThe Myth of   Prometheus in Frankenstein    Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein as a modern day version of the legend of Prometheus. Prometheus created men out of clay and taught them the arts of civilisation (Websters World Encyclopedia CD-ROM 1999). Zeus, the chief god of the Titans, wanted to destroy Prometheus creation but Prometheus stole fire from heaven to help mankind. Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock where an eagle would feed on his liver during the day and each nightRead MoreEssay about The Myth of Prometheus in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein2907 Words   |  12 PagesThe Titan Prometheus bestowed upon mankind the gift of knowledge, but that gift came with a price. In Frankenstein: or, A Modern Prometheus, Mary Shelley brings the ideas of Prometheus into the early 19th century by co-opting three of the central themes of the Prometheus myth—the themes of knowledge with consequence, the underlying sexism within the story of Pandora, and the use of lightning as a means of representing knowledge. A brief discussion of the myth of Prometheus is warrantedRead MoreComparision of Greek Myth of Prometheus and Judaeo-Christian Adam and Eve1623 Words   |  7 PagesWhen comparing the ancient Greek creation myth of Prometheus and the Judaeo-Christian Adam and Eve story we find some striking similarities in both of them. Analyzing Hesiod’s Theogony and other sources we come to the conclusion that the old Greek religion did not include a direct link as to the creation of the humans. They just co-existed with the Gods. Maybe they sprang from Gaea herself, it is not certain. Other sources for the creation of man, point to Zeus giving the task of creatingRead MoreEssay about Prometheus1431 Words   |  6 PagesPrometheus   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Prometheus, the Titan of Greek mythology, was considered to be the most important Titan ever in all the myths. He helped the human race tremendously in his efforts to sustain an easier lifestyle. Mankind had great respect for him because of his advantages and gifts or abilities he gave them. Also, his battle against Zeus as a result of his love for man was very much appreciated. Prometheus was one of the most interesting Greek mythology figures in his time. He was a very kindRead MoreThe Myth Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein Essay1204 Words   |  5 Pagesfire through a Greek Titan, named Prometheus. The story begins with Zeus, the leader of the Olympus, sending Prometheus to the mortal world to create mankind with clay and water. While Prometheus working on his own creation, he grew love towards mankind, and sympathized with how little power Zeus wanted mankind to have. Therefore, Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mankind. After Zeus acknowledged the theft of fire, he was enraged by the action of Prometheus. Afterwards, Zeus punished hisRead MoreThe Modern Prometheus Essays1585 Words   |  7 PagesModern Prometheus Did Mary Shelley initially title her work about Victor Frankenstein and his creation The Modern Prometheus solely because of the glaring similarities between their stories? That is a question that is often discussed, but a conclusion rarely arrives. One of the possible reasons for this could be because there are many different interpretations of the Promethean myth, which are mainly based on the ambiguous nature of the story. The parallels between the Promethean myth and FrankensteinRead More Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay1312 Words   |  6 Pageson the myth of Prometheus, as the subtitle The Modern Prometheus indicates. Maurice Hindle, in his critical study of the novel, suggests, â€Å"the primary theme of Frankenstein is what happens to human sympathies and relationships when men seek obsessively to satisfy their Promethean longings to â€Å"conquer the unknown† - supposedly in the service of their fellow-humans†. This assertion is discussed by first describing the Promethean connection. Thereafter, the two forms of the myth, Prometheus the fire-stealerRead MoreEssay about Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus?1373 Words   |  6 PagesFRANKENSTEIN, THE MODERN PROMETHEUS? In order to illustrate the main theme of her novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelly draws strongly on the myth of Prometheus, as the subtitle The Modern Prometheus indicates. Maurice Hindle, in his critical study of the novel, suggests, the primary theme of Frankenstein is what happens to human sympathies and relationships when men seek obsessively to satisfy their Promethean longings to conquer the unknown - supposedly in the service of their fellow-humans