Loading…
GCSE English Literature · key term
A Titan in Greek mythology who, in some versions, created humanity from clay and who stole fire for humankind, suffering punishment from Zeus.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Paper 1
Revise: ContextThe subtitle, The Modern Prometheus, connects Victor to Greek mythology. Prometheus was a Titan who, in some versions of the myth, made humans from clay. He also stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind.
Paper 2
A figure in Greek mythology who defied the gods by giving fire to humanity and suffered punishment for doing so.
Both parts: context receives no AO3 marks in Edexcel’s novel question. Use Prometheus or Romantic ideas briefly when they clarify an interpretation, not as a separate background paragraph.
Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.
This connects with the novel’s alternative title, The Modern Prometheus. In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied the gods to give fire to humanity and was punished. The parallel permits two readings of Victor: a daring benefactor who suffers for crossing boundaries, or an overreacher who assumes powers he cannot responsibly manage.
