Light And Fire
In Frankenstein, light symbolizes knowledge, discovery, and enlightenment. In regards to Victor, he is living in a world where new ideas and lands are constantly being discovered. Being a scientist, his goal is to reach the light of illumination; the light in which he is recklessly and obsessively willing to unveil what is hidden in the dark, whether its good or bad. Along the same lines of illumination, comes the dangerous and more powerful cousin of light : fire. The monster’s first experience with a still-smoldering flame reveals the dual nature of fire- he discovers excitedly that it creates light in the darkness of the night, but also that it harms him when he touches it.
The presence of fire in the text also brings to mind the full title of Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. The Greek God Prometheus gave the knowledge of fire to humanity and was then severely punished for it. Victor, attempting to become a modern Prometheus, is certainly punished, but unlike fire, his “gift” to humanity—knowledge of the secret of life—remains a secret.
In Frankenstein, light and fire represent the duality of progress and innovation, but also of danger and obsession; Like the fire that gave the monster warmth but then later burns him, the light of science is good until it is pursued too far.
The presence of fire in the text also brings to mind the full title of Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. The Greek God Prometheus gave the knowledge of fire to humanity and was then severely punished for it. Victor, attempting to become a modern Prometheus, is certainly punished, but unlike fire, his “gift” to humanity—knowledge of the secret of life—remains a secret.
In Frankenstein, light and fire represent the duality of progress and innovation, but also of danger and obsession; Like the fire that gave the monster warmth but then later burns him, the light of science is good until it is pursued too far.
1. How is the symbol of Light and Fire represented in the novel?
2. Why was the original title of the book The Modern Prometheus?
3. When compared to the idea of knowledge, why is light and fire deemed as dangerous?
2. Why was the original title of the book The Modern Prometheus?
3. When compared to the idea of knowledge, why is light and fire deemed as dangerous?