The myth of Prometheus, as discussed by Aeschylus, and the novel Frankenstein share many similarities. In my essay I will be exploring how both consider the hubristic nature of discovering information about the world around us. When writing this essay I will first have to give some basic background information around both sources. In ancient Athens when Aeschylus wrote Prometheus unbound, the Hellenistic world was in a time of great discovery. From a major shift in views on cosmologies to rapid discoveries in the sciences, it was a time of great academic change. Likewise when Shelley wrote Frankenstein English society was facing similar advances in knowledge. In both chosen texts we see a reflection of the same anxiety. That this newfound information shall prove dangerous to humanity at large. This is something I will need to explain as soon as possible, potentially even in my introduction. From there I will consider Hubris as I have defined it, before finally approaching the essay proper.

While from Frankenstein I shall primarily pull from the chapter surrounding the monsters creation, I plan on using quotes from throughout the remaining texts of Prometheus unbound. This is because I want the essay to focus on Frankenstein and for Prometheus to augment my argument.

My secondary sources serve a variety of purposes. The first by Jennifer Forrest will be used to give additional information around the industrial revolution and how it is portrayed in Frankenstein. Goldberg will be a foil, offering an alternative perspective for me to consider then dismiss. Raggio is included primarily for information on Prometheus. In her discussion of it she brings up similarities with Frankenstein that I would like to draw attention to. Finally, Helen Haste will be used in my conclusion to support my argument about the cautionary purpose both these stories serve