Gifts and Curses: Prometheus' Theft of Fire in the Works of Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Lord Byron

Author

Natalie Nicole Hopper

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

English

First Advisor

Ronald Schroeder

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

The myth of Prometheus and his theft of fire is a popular theme in Romantic literature; however, each Romantic author has a different story to tell about the ancient Titan. This thesis examines three Romantic authors and their distinct approaches to the Promethean myth. Percy Shelley portrays Prometheus as a hero worthy of adoration, Mary Shelley depicts him as inconsiderate and power hungry, and Lord Byron paints the picture of a noble—yet troubled—figure. The diverse ideologies and personal experiences of these three writers cause them to view the motives and consequences of Prometheus in drastically different lights.

Recommended Citation

Hopper, Natalie Nicole, "Gifts and Curses: Prometheus' Theft of Fire in the Works of Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Lord Byron" (2007). Honors Theses. 2221.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2221

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