Final answer:
The allusion to Genesis in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' reflects important themes of creation, the responsibilities of a creator, and the consequences of usurping divine roles, as well as social prejudice and the impact of environmental factors on individual development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The allusion to Genesis in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a critical element for understanding the complex dynamics of creation and existence as explored in the novel. Victor Frankenstein's creation of the monster alludes to the biblical act of creation found in Genesis. This is evident when Victor himself envisions that “a new species would bless me as its creator and source”, mirroring the role of a deity. The monster's own reflections on whether he should consider himself an Adam or a Satan bring forward the connotations of innocence and fall from grace respectively. These references underscore the novel's exploration of the ethics of creation, the responsibility of the creator, and the consequences of usurping divine roles.
This intersection of environment and race as they relate to Frankenstein's monster is nuanced, indicating the recognition of otherness and the implications of playing God. The monster's existential crisis and the societal rejection he faces highlight the issues of social prejudice and the influence of environment on the individual's formation. Mary Shelley weaves in biblical allusions to critique the scientific and social attitudes of her time, particularly the hubris of the Enlightenment and the Romantic ideals of creation and individuality.