Mary Shelley

Description: (British Author Best Known for Her Gothic Novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’)

Mary Shelley was an English novelist renowned for her fictional writing and the ghastly themes she employed in her novels. She was born to Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin who were literarily and politically active. Her mother was a feminist and the author of ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.’ Mary was not fortunate enough to get enriched by her mother’s knowledge as she died soon after Mary’s birth. Mary had to go through tremendous psychological turmoil as her father re-married, leaving her to deal with her step-mother who was unfair to her. However, she learnt to deal with the turmoil by indulging in writing and spending time dwelling on imagination. This helped her to overcome the mental stress and also enhanced her imagination which in turn helped her in her career as a fictional author. This writer did not have any formal education but was fortunate to live in the company of many literary geniuses like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, and P. B. Shelley. She penned her first novel ‘Frankenstein’ which is regarded as one of the best known horror stories till date. Her narration and detailed description often grab the readers’ attention. She is also credited with creating some of the best-known ghostly characters in the world of fiction.

Overview

Birthday August 30, 1797 (Virgo)
Born In England
Alternative names Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin
City London, England
Died on February 1, 1851
Spouse/Ex- Percy Bysshe Shelley (m. 1816–1822)
Children Clara Everina Shelley, Percy Florence Shelley, William Shelley
Relatives Charles Clairmont, Claire Clairmont, Fanny Imlay, William Godwin the Younger

Did you know

What inspired Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein? Mary Shelley was inspired to write "Frankenstein" after having a nightmare during a trip to Switzerland with her husband, Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron.
What impact did Mary Shelley's Frankenstein had? Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is considered a pioneering work of science fiction and has had a significant impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in various forms of media.
What themes are explored in Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein? Themes such as the consequences of playing God, the nature of humanity, and the pursuit of knowledge are explored in Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein."
How did Mary Shelley's personal experiences influence her writing of Frankenstein? Mary Shelley's personal experiences, including the loss of her children and the deaths of loved ones, influenced the themes of creation, loss, and the consequences of unchecked ambition in her writing of "Frankenstein."
What was the initial reception of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein? Initially, Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" received mixed reviews but gained popularity over time and is now considered a classic of Gothic literature.
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