Questions: 2. While reading Paradise Lost, what comparison does the monster make between himself and Adam?

In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the creature, often referred to as the monster, draws a comparison between himself and Adam from John Milton's "Paradise Lost." This comparison is significant as it highlights the creature's feelings of isolation and abandonment.

1. Creation and Creator: The creature sees himself as similar to Adam in that he was created by a higher being, Victor Frankenstein, just as Adam was created by God. However, unlike Adam, who was created in a state of innocence and placed in a paradise, the creature is brought into a world that is hostile and unwelcoming. He is not given the same care or guidance that Adam received from God.

2. Companionship: Adam was given Eve as a companion, which provided him with a sense of belonging and love. The creature, on the other hand, is denied companionship. He is utterly alone, which exacerbates his feelings of rejection and fuels his desire for revenge against Victor.

3. Knowledge and Suffering: Both Adam and the creature gain knowledge that leads to suffering. Adam's consumption of the forbidden fruit results in the fall of man, while the creature's acquisition of knowledge about humanity and his own condition leads to profound misery and a sense of alienation.

Through these comparisons, the creature underscores his tragic existence and the injustices he faces, which are central themes in "Frankenstein." The reference to "Paradise Lost" also enriches the novel's exploration of creation, responsibility, and the quest for identity.