Final answer:
Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' contains allusions to Genesis, highlighting themes of creation and existence, with Victor Frankenstein's God-like aspirations and his creation's dual self-perception as both Adam and Satan.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, there are several allusions to Genesis, the first book of the Bible. One notable allusion is Victor Frankenstein playing a God-like role, as he creates life from death, similar to how God created Adam. Victor's own words, "a new species would bless me as its creator and source," reflect God-like aspirations, casting himself in the role of a creator of life, while drawing a parallel to the divinity of God's creation of humankind. However, the creation turns into a tragic figure, oscillating between seeing himself as an Adam, hoping for companionship and acceptance, and a Satan, expressing bitterness and vengefulness due to his abandonment and suffering.
These allusions serve to underscore themes of creation, existence, and the consequences of usurping divine powers. They also engage readers in reflecting on the moral and ethical considerations of technological and scientific advancements, which was particularly relevant during Shelley's time with the onset of the Industrial Revolution and remains relevant in today's discussions about artificial intelligence and genetic engineering.