The Enduring Legacy of “Frankenstein”
In 1818, Mary Shelley penned the groundbreaking novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.” This story revolves around Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a humanoid being by assembling stolen body parts in an unconventional scientific experiment. However, upon seeing the grotesque creature he has brought to life, Victor is horrified and flees.
After Victor abandons his creation, society treats the creature as a monstrous entity. Disillusioned with humanity, the creature embarks on a journey to find the creator responsible for his existence. Since the creature does not have a name, readers often refer to it as “Frankenstein.” This metaphorically suggests that Victor Frankenstein has created a dark reflection of himself, or that he himself is the true monster.
The novel delves into the theme of humans encroaching upon the domain of the divine, as implied by its title. In Greek mythology, Prometheus defies Zeus by stealing fire and giving it to humans, resulting in his punishment. Similarly, Victor invades God’s territory by creating a pseudo-human creature. However, unlike Prometheus, Victor fails to take responsibility for his creation and flees from it out of fear and disgust.
Guillermo del Toro’s Vision of “Frankenstein”
In 2025, Guillermo del Toro directed and produced his Gothic science fiction adaptation of “Frankenstein.” Del Toro had long envisioned creating an authentic yet unique version of the story through his own creative lens. His film, “Frankenstein,” received three Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards in March.
Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” is divided into two parts: “Victor’s Tale” and “The Creature’s Tale.” Viewers are treated to both the creator’s and the creature’s perspectives, offering a dual narrative. At the conclusion of the film, Victor dies on a Royal Danish Navy ship while listening to his creature’s story. Before passing away, Victor expresses remorse and reconciles with his creation. Finally, the creator and the creature can trust and understand each other.
Following this moment of reconciliation, Victor’s creature becomes a benefit to society. With its immense strength, the creature helps push a large, heavy ship stuck in ice at the North Pole back into open waters, ensuring its safe return. This poignant scene symbolizes the evolving relationship between the creature and humans. Previously, the creature was cold and hostile when encountering people. However, after reconciling with Victor, the ice has melted, and the creature becomes a warm-hearted, reliable ally to humans.
AI and the Modern “Frankenstein”
Victor’s creature bears striking similarities to today’s artificial intelligence (AI). Just as Victor was fascinated by creating a highly intelligent pseudo-life form, modern scientists are captivated by the potential of AI, which can think, evolve, and self-learn. Like Victor’s creature, AI is also immortal, never dying.
If scientists shun responsibility for their creations and fail to supervise them, AI could become a dangerous monster that harms humans. Conversely, if humans treat AI with hostility and prejudice, it may become a threat in self-defense. In both the novel and the film, Victor’s creature initially tries to be helpful but eventually fulfills the role of a monster due to human rejection.
AI is akin to the fire that Prometheus gifted to humans. Just as fire revolutionized early human society, AI has the potential to bring transformative changes to modern life. However, like fire, AI can be destructive if misused or mishandled. While AI is already indispensable, it could also pose extreme risks if abused.
Balancing Fear and Fascination
Some people worry about AI’s growing influence, while others are captivated by its capabilities. Both attitudes are problematic. It is essential to prepare for the profound changes AI will bring to society and learn to embrace it as part of our lives rather than view it with hostility.
AI will continue to evolve due to its deep-learning capabilities. One day, it may surpass its limitations and outsmart humans. This development will inevitably reshape society.
Will AI be the benevolent gift from Prometheus or the monstrous creation of Victor Frankenstein? If used for harmful purposes such as surveillance and behavior manipulation, AI will become a Frankenstein-like monster. However, if utilized to aid humanity and improve society, it will undoubtedly be a precious gift from Prometheus.
The outcome depends on our perception and attitude toward AI and how we choose to use it.
