Frankenstein appears to be simply about a misguided scientist disregarding one of his failed experiments, but to the trained eye it is much more than that. Through the integration of themes and quotes from Genesis the relationship between creator and creation is emphasized to convey the love and hate Victor and the monster feel for each other in the novel.
Genesis is the story in the bible that describes how the earth and mankind came to be. When man was first created by God they were made to be in his image. This idea is directly related to how Victor created the monster to be in his likeness both mentally and physically. The creatures in both instances were expected to be pure and immaculate in every way, yet this was not the case in either situation. The relationship between the creator and the monster starts off as envy and then when the creature is seen as flawed it is shunned and sent from paradise. Perfection is a trait that is desired in both Genesis and Frankenstein, and that is what causes the ultimate demise of the creatures.
In Frankenstein, the monster perceived himself to be like Adam. He believed that he was the chosen one who was to be loved and praised, but the internal demons within Victor prevented that from ever happening. Instead the monster was seen to be like Satan just as in Genesis. The monster was the fallen angel who only wanted to be like his creator and experience what humans did. This fact is apparent when the monster says, “Many times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition; for often, like him, when I viewed the bliss of my protectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me”. (Shelley 116-117) This shows the relationship between Genesis and the plight of the monster in Frankenstein.
According to certain views all beings are created with a blank slate, and that they are seen as beginning life as inherently good. This was the case with Adam but the monster was neglected this opportunity to be seen as a good creation. The monster says, “…His creator; he was allowed to converse with, and acquire knowledge from, beings of a superior nature: but I was wretched, helpless, and alone”, which shows his unfair situation that led him down a dark path. (Shelley 116-117) The monster was not allowed to share in knowledge as Adam was, yet they both ended up expelled from paradise by their creators. The fact that the yearning for knowledge and the acquisition of it ends in disaster leaves the question: Is the inquisitive nature of creatures and humans going to lead to their demise more so than their success?
The creation of creatures weather they are human or inhuman should be celebrated and the being should be nurtured. Genesis and Frankenstein are perfect examples that compliment each other on the subject of creation. Through similar situations the relationship between creator and creation can be thoroughly explored.
