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Summary Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
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This mis a short 2 and a bit age essay I wrote on Mary Shelly's Frankenstein
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FrankensteinMary Shelley's Frankenstein is a novel that has had a significant impact on
literature, popular culture, and the field of science fiction. Published in 1818,
during a time known as the Romantic era, the novel explores themes of
ambition, creation, and the consequences of playing God. To fully understand
the context and influence of Shelley's masterpiece, it is crucial to examine the
historical backdrop, key figures involved, and the lasting implications it has
had on subsequent literature and scientific advancements.
The historical context in which Shelley wrote Frankenstein is essential to
comprehend the themes and ideas in the novel. The Romantic era, which
spanned from the late 18th to the mid-19th century, was marked by a shift in
societal values and a rejection of the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason
and logic. Instead, Romantic writers sought inspiration in nature, art, and the
emotions of the individual. This backdrop greatly influenced Shelley's
exploration of emotions, the power of nature, and the role of science in
society.
Additionally, the experiences and influences in Shelley's personal life shaped
the novel. Mary Shelley was the daughter of the radical political philosopher
William Godwin and the feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft. Growing up in an
intellectually stimulating environment, Shelley was exposed to ideas about
social justice, equality, and the repercussions of unchecked power. The tragic
deaths of several loved ones, including Shelley's half-sister Fanny Imlay and
her husband Percy Shelley's first wife Harriet, also played a role in shaping
the novel's themes of loss, grief, and the pursuit of immortality.
One of the key figures associated with the creation of Frankenstein is Percy
Shelley, Mary's husband and a well-known Romantic poet. Percy's influence
on the novel cannot be understated. He encouraged Mary to expand her short
story idea about a scientist who creates life into a full-length novel. Some
scholars even argue that Percy contributed to the writing and editing of the
book. Percy's poetic style and emphasis on the sublime are evident in the
prose of Frankenstein, and his own works, such as Prometheus Unbound,
share similarities in theme and tone with Mary's novel.
Another influential figure related to Frankenstein is Lord Byron, a prominent
poet and close friend of the Shelleys. It was during a summer spent in Byron's
company, along with Percy Shelley, that Mary conceived the idea for
Frankenstein. The famous ghost story competition that took place among the
group at Villa Diodati in Switzerland served as the catalyst for Mary's creative
inspiration. Lord Byron's own dark and mysterious persona, as well as his
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