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Allusions In Frankenstein Research Paper

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Mary Shelley, in her novel Frankenstein, alludes to the consequences of knowledge from Genesis to her novel Frankenstein. As Frankenstein’s creation gains knowledge, the monster begins to desire and sin, as did Adam and Eve with gaining knowledge from the serpent. The allusion is that knowledge will bring on desires and sins, which will lead to extreme banishment from one’s creator. Upon receiving knowledge from the serpent, Eve realized decides to eat from the tree of Good and Evil, which broke the first law God gave to humans. Her sin was not the action of eating, but was her disobedience to God’s plan. God had a plan, but he also gave humans options by placing, in the middle of the Garden of Eden, two trees: “Now the Lord God had planted …show more content…

In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2) Adam and Eve had the option everyday to choose the Tree of Life (to lead a life of innocence and endless supply) or choose the Tree of Good and Evil (seeking knowledge that only God and his angels had). “‘You will not certainly die,’the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” From the serpent’s words, Eve was tempted by the knowledge that could bring her closer with God. Similarly, Frankenstein had the options to remain ignorant and have an endless supply of life-feeding off of the Delacey family, or seek the same knowledge of his creator’s kind. “I endeavoured to crush these fears and to fortify myself for the trial which in a few months I resolved to undergo; and sometimes I allowed my thoughts, unchecked by reason, to ramble in the fields of Paradise, and dared to fancy amiable and lovely creatures sympathizing with my feelings and cheering my gloom;” (Shelley, 156) Frankenstein wished to be united with the Delacey family by impressing them with his knowledge and eloquence, in hopes that those qualities would outshine his physical appearance. He chose this over his own security, living a plain life observing humans from the shadows, but still being fed enough. Frankenstein's monster couldn’t have made

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