Mary Shelley

Definition

Mary Shelley was an English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work 'Frankenstein', published in 1818. Her writing reflects the themes of the Romantic era, including the exploration of human emotion, nature, and the consequences of scientific advancement. Shelley’s unique background and experiences influenced her literature, making her a pivotal figure in Romantic prose alongside contemporaries such as Jane Austen and Victor Hugo.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Shelley began writing 'Frankenstein' when she was just 18 years old, inspired by a ghost story challenge among friends.
2. Her life experiences, including the death of her mother and her relationship with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, deeply influenced her views on creation and loss.
3. 'Frankenstein' is often considered one of the first works of science fiction, raising ethical questions about scientific exploration and humanity's responsibility toward its creations.
4. Shelley's work not only reflects Romantic ideals but also critiques them by presenting a complex view of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
5. In addition to 'Frankenstein', Mary Shelley wrote several other novels, essays, and biographies, contributing significantly to literature and feminist thought.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' embody the core themes of Romanticism?
  • 'Frankenstein' embodies Romanticism through its exploration of deep human emotions, the sublime nature, and the ethical dilemmas associated with scientific advancement. Shelley emphasizes individual experience and emotion through her characters' struggles with creation and destruction. The novel serves as a reflection on the power of nature and the dangers that arise when humanity tries to surpass natural boundaries, a central theme in Romantic literature.
• Discuss the influence of Mary Shelley's personal life on her writing, particularly in 'Frankenstein'.
  • Mary Shelley's personal life had a profound impact on her writing. The death of her mother shortly after giving birth instilled a sense of loss that permeates 'Frankenstein'. Additionally, her tumultuous relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley and their experiences in the intellectual circles of Europe provided a backdrop for her reflections on creation and responsibility. These elements combined to create a narrative rich in emotional depth and moral complexity.
• Evaluate how Mary Shelley's contributions to literature have shaped modern understandings of science fiction and Gothic fiction genres.
  • Mary Shelley's contributions fundamentally shaped modern science fiction and Gothic fiction by introducing themes that interrogate humanity's relationship with technology and ethics. 'Frankenstein' raised critical questions about creation, responsibility, and what it means to be human, setting a precedent for future science fiction writers to explore similar dilemmas. Her incorporation of Gothic elements—like isolation, fear of the unknown, and emotional intensity—has influenced countless works in both genres, establishing a lasting legacy that resonates in contemporary literature.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, often as a reaction against the industrial revolution and Enlightenment rationalism.

Gothic Fiction: A genre characterized by supernatural elements, dark settings, and emotional intensity, often exploring themes of horror and the uncanny.

Science Fiction: A genre that explores futuristic concepts, technological advancements, and their implications on society, heavily influenced by Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.