Essay on Frankenstein and Paradise Lost

Mary Shelley has created a subversive and grotesque God/Man relationship in "Frankenstein." Shelly sets up Frankenstein and, at times, Man in general, to be the monster's God. Shelley's integration with Paradise Lost creates opportunity for making such comparisons. When the monster gives his book review of the found classic, he states, "It moved every feeling of wonder and awe, that the picture of an omnipotent God warring with his creatures was capable of exciting." …

…monster is like Satan in that he is rejected by the beings of which he was once a member. While he does not remember, perhaps he feels his similarity, yet horrid mutation and punished rejection. The duality in the monster between Adam and Satan allows him to decide upon his plan of action. It is important to note that he takes upon himself the role of Adam before resorting to the methods learned from Satan.