Mary Shelley

Definition

Mary Shelley was an English novelist, best known for her groundbreaking work 'Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus', published in 1818. Her writing is often associated with themes of the sublime, exploring the boundaries of human ambition and the consequences of unchecked creativity, which ties into the broader aesthetic discourse of the Romantic period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' is considered one of the earliest science fiction novels, reflecting concerns about scientific exploration and ethical boundaries.
2. Shelley wrote 'Frankenstein' during the summer of 1816 at Lake Geneva, Switzerland, a time known as the 'Year Without a Summer', which influenced its themes of nature and existential dread.
3. The character of Victor Frankenstein embodies the Romantic ideal of the tortured artist, showcasing the dangers of hubris and the quest for knowledge.
4. Shelley’s work often reflects the sublime experience through her vivid depictions of nature, which evoke both beauty and terror.
5. Mary Shelley faced significant gender-based challenges in her literary career, often overshadowed by her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and struggling for recognition as a serious author.

Review Questions

• How does Mary Shelley's portrayal of nature in her writing relate to the concept of the sublime?
  • Mary Shelley's portrayal of nature often embodies the sublime by evoking feelings of awe and terror simultaneously. In 'Frankenstein', for instance, the dramatic landscapes serve as a backdrop to Victor Frankenstein's emotional turmoil and moral conflict. This duality enhances the reader's experience, aligning with Romantic ideals that celebrate nature's grandeur while acknowledging its potential for destruction.
• In what ways does 'Frankenstein' reflect the themes of Gothic literature and how do these themes contribute to its overall impact?
  • 'Frankenstein' incorporates essential elements of Gothic literature through its exploration of isolation, psychological horror, and the supernatural. The creature's torment and Victor's descent into madness create a dark atmosphere that heightens tension. These themes not only engage readers with thrilling narratives but also prompt deeper reflections on humanity's fears regarding technology, creation, and ethical responsibility.
• Evaluate how Mary Shelley's personal experiences influenced her writing and thematic choices in 'Frankenstein'.
  • Mary Shelley's personal experiences had a profound impact on her writing. Growing up amidst loss and tragedy, including the death of her mother and later her own children, shaped her exploration of life, death, and creation in 'Frankenstein'. Her relationships with prominent literary figures like Percy Shelley also influenced her thoughts on ambition and artistic responsibility. This blend of personal turmoil and intellectual engagement informs the novel's complex themes about human endeavor and its consequences.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature, often in reaction to the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment rationalism.

The Sublime: A concept in aesthetics that refers to an overwhelming sense of grandeur or beauty that can evoke deep feelings of awe, terror, and admiration in the observer.

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and dark romanticism, often exploring themes of isolation and emotional extremity.