Okay, so I am stretching because I haven’t read Paradise Lost. But the Poem is referenced directly and indirectly in Frankenstein. There are epigraphs that reference paradise lost and then the direct reference as the book that the monster learns to read with in the hut. And my understanding is that Mary Shelly studied the Poem extensively before writing Frankenstein (this was written in the forward to my copy).
So beyond that I think there are parallels drawn between the two stories. Frankenstein like god creates new life, the monster begins as an innocent empty vessel but is “tainted” through its experiences in life. When the monster learns to read (by way of Paradise Lost) and acquires knowledge (as by the forbidden fruit) it then understands shame and guilt.
Then the monster references the relationship between himself and the poem in the conversation he has with Frankenstein in the alps where he compares himself to Satan rejecting the power of his creator (frankenstein/god) (this is when he requests a companion).
So my sense when reading Frankenstein was that all over the place there were little parables from Pardise lost, sometimes directly, sometimes inverted. Lots of bits about the downfall of man through knowledge. So I guess I have to read Paradise Lost now 😆
