The title Cleopatra and Frankenstein immediately evokes a striking juxtaposition—an ancient queen renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and political acumen, placed alongside a modern mythic monster, a creation of science and an emblem of human ambition gone awry. These two figures, though vastly different in origin and legacy, both serve as powerful symbols of transformation, identity and the consequences of human desires. But beyond the obvious contrast, what connects them thematically? How do Cleopatra and Frankenstein resonate in contemporary narratives, and what do they reveal about the human condition?
Cleopatra: The Enigmatic Ruler
Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, has remained one of history’s most fascinating and enigmatic figures. She was more than just a queen; she was a strategic leader, a linguist, and a woman who used her intellect and charisma to maintain power in a tumultuous era. Her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony have been romanticized, yet they were also politically motivated, demonstrating her keen awareness of Rome’s growing influence.
Cleopatra’s life was marked by ambition and reinvention. Unlike the common portrayals of her as a mere seductress, historical accounts suggest she was a shrewd ruler who understood the cultural and political landscape of her time. She spoke multiple languages and actively engaged in diplomacy, ensuring that Egypt remained a formidable force despite Rome’s dominance. Her suicide in 30 BCE, following the defeat of her forces by Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus), marked the end of Egyptian independence and the beginning of Roman Egypt.
Cleopatra’s image has evolved over centuries—from Shakespearean drama to Hollywood spectacles. Her story has been framed through various lenses: as a tragic lover, a cunning ruler, or a feminist icon reclaiming power in a patriarchal world. But at her core, Cleopatra embodies the tension between power and vulnerability, control and fate—an interplay of forces that also defines Frankenstein’s monster.
Frankenstein: The Created Monster
Unlike Cleopatra, who was born into royalty, Frankenstein’s monster was brought into existence by human ambition. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) tells the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who seeks to conquer death by creating life. However, his experiment results in an outcast creature, who, despite his initial innocence, becomes vengeful due to society’s rejection.
Shelley’s novel explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the ethical boundaries of scientific discovery. Frankenstein’s creature, like Cleopatra, is a figure of contradictions: he is both powerful and powerless, seeking connection but met with fear and loathing. His tragedy lies in his desire to be accepted, to be seen as human, yet he is denied this by his very appearance and origin.
The monster’s story also carries a deep philosophical question—what does it mean to be human? Is humanity defined by birth, appearance, or actions? Much like Cleopatra, who navigated her identity as a ruler of Greek descent in an Egyptian world, Frankenstein’s monster struggles with self-perception and the expectations placed upon him.
Power, Identity, and Transformation
Both Cleopatra and Frankenstein’s monster undergo significant transformations throughout their respective stories. Cleopatra evolves from a young queen into a legendary historical figure, while Frankenstein’s creature transforms from an abandoned being into an articulate, self-aware entity seeking revenge. In both cases, their identities are shaped by external perceptions as much as by their own choices.
Power plays a crucial role in both narratives. Cleopatra wields political power and influence, using her intelligence to maintain her position in a male-dominated world. In contrast, Frankenstein’s monster is physically powerful but lacks societal acceptance, making his strength both an asset and a curse. Their stories reflect different aspects of power—Cleopatra’s is strategic and political, while the monster’s is raw and physical, yet both grapple with the limitations of their circumstances.
Love and Loneliness
At the heart of both tales is the theme of love and loneliness. Cleopatra’s relationships with Caesar and Antony were significant not just for their political ramifications but also for their emotional dimensions. Whether these relationships were rooted in love, strategy, or both, they underscore her humanity amid her regal responsibilities.
Frankenstein’s creature, on the other hand, is devoid of companionship. His creator rejects him, and his attempts to form connections are met with fear and violence. His plea for a mate highlights his desperation for belonging, making his descent into vengeance all the more tragic. While Cleopatra’s loneliness stems from the burden of power, the monster’s loneliness arises from his very existence.
Legacy and Interpretation
Both Cleopatra and Frankenstein’s monster have left lasting legacies, albeit in different ways. Cleopatra’s story has been immortalized in literature, film, and art, often reinterpreted to fit modern narratives about feminism, power, and leadership. Meanwhile, Frankenstein’s creature has become a staple of gothic horror, symbolizing the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of playing god.
Interestingly, both figures challenge the way history and literature shape perception. Cleopatra, often romanticized or villainized, is rarely seen in her full complexity. Similarly, Frankenstein’s monster is frequently mischaracterized—often mistaken for his creator and depicted as a mindless brute rather than the articulate, tragic figure Shelley conceived.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Humanity
At first glance, Cleopatra and Frankenstein’s monster may seem like an odd pairing, but their stories share fundamental themes—power, transformation, identity, and the human need for connection. Cleopatra’s reign and choices reflect the complexities of leadership and agency, while Frankenstein’s monster embodies the struggle of the outsider, seeking meaning in a world that refuses to accept him.
Both figures continue to captivate audiences because they reflect aspects of ourselves. Cleopatra’s ambition and intelligence mirror the drive for success, while Frankenstein’s creature represents the fear of rejection and the longing for acceptance. Whether in history or fiction, their narratives endure because they speak to the timeless human experience of striving for power, understanding, and belonging.
