Mary Shelley

Definition

Mary Shelley was an English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work, 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,' published in 1818. She is considered a pivotal figure in Romantic literature, reflecting themes of creation, responsibility, and the duality of human nature, which resonate throughout Romantic prose and novels. Her innovative storytelling and exploration of the human condition have influenced countless writers and continue to be relevant in discussions about ethics in science and technology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, and was the daughter of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin.
2. She wrote 'Frankenstein' when she was just 18 years old during a summer spent with other writers including Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, her future husband.
3. 'Frankenstein' is often considered one of the first science fiction novels, blending elements of Gothic literature with philosophical questions about creation and responsibility.
4. Shelley's works often reflect her personal experiences with loss and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, making her a crucial voice for feminist literature.
5. In addition to 'Frankenstein', Mary Shelley wrote several other novels and essays, including 'The Last Man', which imagines a future plagued by a devastating plague.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Shelley's life experiences influence the themes presented in her works?
  • Mary Shelley's life was marked by personal tragedies, including the deaths of her mother and several children, which deeply influenced her writing. The theme of loss is prevalent in 'Frankenstein,' where Victor's creation leads to destruction and heartache. Additionally, her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated society fueled her exploration of gender roles and responsibilities within her narratives.
• In what ways does 'Frankenstein' serve as a critique of scientific advancement during the Romantic period?
  • 'Frankenstein' critiques the unchecked ambition of scientists by portraying Victor Frankenstein as a cautionary figure whose pursuit of knowledge leads to catastrophic consequences. Shelley raises ethical questions about creation and responsibility while highlighting the Romantic ideal that humanity should respect natural boundaries. This critique resonates with concerns during the Industrial Revolution regarding the rapid advancements in science without moral consideration.
• Evaluate how Mary Shelley's contributions to literature extend beyond her most famous work, particularly regarding societal themes.
  • Mary Shelley's contributions extend beyond 'Frankenstein' as she frequently addressed pressing societal themes such as gender inequality, human rights, and the impact of technological advancements on society. Her novel 'The Last Man' explores dystopian themes relevant to contemporary discussions about climate change and pandemics. By weaving personal experiences with broader societal concerns into her narratives, Shelley remains a vital figure in both feminist literature and discussions about ethics in science.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often as a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment rationalism.

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by dark, mysterious settings and supernatural elements, often exploring themes of madness, death, and the sublime, which can be seen in Shelley's works.

Frankenstein:

'Frankenstein' is Mary Shelley's most famous novel that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature in an unorthodox experiment, raising questions about morality and the consequences of playing God.