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Frankenstein. Influences & Themes. Derby Museums Merriam-Webster Live Science University of Sydney Libraries University of Maryland Romantic Circles U.S. National Library of Medicine Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. A Modern Prometheus. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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FRANKENSTEINInfluences & Themes
Derby MuseumsMerriam-WebsterLive ScienceUniversity of Sydney LibrariesUniversity of Maryland Romantic CirclesU.S. National Library of MedicineStanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
A MODERN PROMETHEUS
• The second title for the book is A Modern Prometheus.
• Prometheus was a titan in Greek mythology, who created mankind. He then secretly took fire from heaven and gave it to them.
• When Zeus discovered this, he sentenced Prometheus to be eternally punished by fixing him to a rock where each day an eagle would peck out his liver, only for the liver to regrow the next day.
• Fire is the gift that hurts in the end, such as the Industrial Revolution—Man is given too much power and abuses it.
INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
Philosophy – (love of wisdom) is the study of ideas about knowledge, truth, and the meaning of life.
Celestial map by Frederik de Wit
INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
• Natural Philosophy - the study of nature before the development of modern science.
Celestial map by Frederik de Wit
• Alchemy – an early form of chemistry practiced in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.• Combines science and
speculative philosophy
• Often associated with magic
• Focused on the creation of the Philosopher’s Stone and the Elixir of Life
INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher’s StoneJoseph Wright, oil on canvas, 1771
• Tabula Rasa – Latin for “blank slate,” is a philosophical concept formed by 17th century British philosopher John Locke• At birth, our minds are a blank or empty slate• All knowledge comes from experience• Nature vs. Nurture
INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
• Sublime – concept that nature evokes a strong sense of awe, wonder, and beauty.
INFLUENCES ON VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN
THEMES IN FRANKENSTEIN
• Ambition• Limits of science• Doppelganger• Sublime Nature• Role of parents