Mary Shelley: The Life and Legacy of Frankenstein's Author

Mary Shelley, born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin in 1797, was an English author, most famously known for her iconic horror novel Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. As one of the most exceptional Romantic-era authors, Shelley’s life was filled with tragedy, struggles, and unconventional endeavors that ultimately influenced her groundbreaking literary works.

Early Life

Born to feminist philosopher and writer Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin, young Mary’s home environment was steeped in intellectual discourse. Tragically, her mother passed away only eleven days after her birth, casting a shadow of loss and sorrow that would persist throughout Mary’s life.

Raised by her father, Mary was encouraged to read widely and engage in intellectual pursuits. At sixteen years old, she became romantically involved with a passionate young poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley. This burgeoning relationship soon developed into a scandal, as Percy was already married.

Life with Percy Bysshe Shelley

Determined to pursue their love, Mary and Percy fled England in 1814, eloping to Europe with Mary’s stepsister Claire Clairmont in tow. The couple’s journey included financial struggles, social ostracism, and family disapproval – challenges that would leave an indelible impact on Mary’s writing.

During their time together, Mary and Percy forged connections with other Romantic writers and poets, including Lord Byron. It was in Byron’s company, during an 1816 stay at his villa on Lake Geneva, that the idea for Frankenstein was born during a friendly ghost story challenge between the group.

Tragedy continued to plague Mary’s life, with the deaths of her children and rumors surrounding Percy’s infidelities. Their tumultuous relationship eventually came to an end in 1822, when Percy drowned in a boating accident, leaving Mary widowed at just 24 years old.

Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus

Although forever associated with her brilliantly dark and thought-provoking work, Mary Shelley had written more than just Frankenstein. However, it is the tale of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation that continues to enthrall and captivate readers, almost 200 years after it was first published in 1818.

The story revolves around the tragic quest for knowledge and power by Swiss scientist Victor Frankenstein, whose experiments lead to the creation of an unnatural, grotesque creature. As the creature suffers abandonment and loneliness, it becomes increasingly vengeful and bent on destruction. The novel explores profound themes such as morality, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Frankenstein is often viewed as a definitive example of the Romantic fiction of its day, embodying the movement’s embrace of imagination, nature, and individualism. Additionally, it can be seen as a Gothic novel – a genre marked by dark, melancholic settings and an underlying sense of dread.

Life After Percy and Later Works

Following the death of her husband, Mary returned to England and focused on her writing to support her surviving son, Percy Florence Shelley. Her long list of works spanned novels, short stories, essays, and biographies, reflecting her intellectual curiosity and command of various subjects.

Among Mary’s lesser-known novels is The Last Man (1826), a chilling apocalyptic story inspired by the Romantic fascination with ruin and decay. Another notable work is Mathilda (1818-1820), a dark and introspective novella that remained unpublished during her lifetime.

Despite her prolific output, Mary struggled with the loss of her husband and societal disapproval, resulting in her living largely in self-imposed isolation. She passed away in 1851 at the age of 53.

Legacy

Mary Shelley’s impact on literature is evident in the enduring popularity of Frankenstein and her contributions to the Romantic and Gothic genres. With her distinct voice and profound storytelling, Shelley explored complex human emotions and the struggle between ambition and responsibility.

As a woman in a male-dominated literary world, Mary Shelley broke barriers and carved out her place within the canon of English literature. Her life and works continue to inspire and enthral generations of readers, reminding us of the power of creativity and the timeless allure of storytelling.

Call to Action

Interested in discovering Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking work Frankenstein for yourself? Read or listen to this iconic horror novel by buying it on Amazon. As you dive into Shelley’s imaginative, thought-provoking world, consider exploring the rich tapestry of her other works, such as The Last Man (View on Amazon) and Mathilda (View on Amazon), and appreciate the genius of this remarkable author.