The concept behind Mary Shelley's story of Frankenstein is not a new idea at all. Long ago, the Greeks had a mythological figure called Prometheus. Trent Lorcher says this about him. “The novel's full title, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, emphasizes the theme of Victor as an overachiever, one who ascends beyond his abilities. In Greek mythology, Prometheus created man. Like a modern-day Prometheus, Victor creates a new species. Prometheus feels love for his creation (unlike modern Prometheus) he goes further and steals fire from Zeus. Zeus punishes Prometheus by chaining him to a rock for eternity and sending an eagle every day to eat his liver. So, what does Frankenstein have to do with this Prometheus? Believe it or not, they're basically the same character. Frankenstein's Viktor Frankenstein and Mary Shelley's Prometheus are similar in that both pursue knowledge, both challenge a higher power, and both are determined. Initially, Frankenstein and Prometheus are similar because they pursue knowledge. In both stories, the protagonist is not content to be limited in what he knows. Prometheus learns skills and trades from other Gods, just as Frankenstein learns from his professors and continues his knowledge. Both also share a charm, as Rebecca Dudczak points out. “Aside from the title, Shelley borrows from the story of Prometheus the sense of consequence resulting from the search for enlightenment and power. Victor is his modern incarnation of Prometheus. He, as Prometheus was, is fascinated by the power of electricity (lightning). We can remember from the narrative the moment in which he becomes fascinated by its fantastic power. This quote from the book itself will consolidate these statesmen... at the center of the card... Mary Shelly's Frankenstein shows us the dangers of playing God and tampering with nature, life and death." It may not have ended well for them, but it sure was a great read for us. Works Cited Baase, Sara. “Prometheus Myth: A Gift of Fire.” "A Cultural History of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus." Cultural History of Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus. Np. Web. 28 March 2014 Bright Hub. Np, nd Web. March 31, 2014. Pontikis, Nick. "Myth Man's Prometheus Homework Help Page Two." March 31, 2014. Spositos, Martin. "Frankenstein is a modern Prometheus." Msposito3s Blog. nd Web. March 31. 2014.