The Influence of Frankenstein on The Author's Life and Literature

Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, stands as a testament not only to the imaginative prowess of its author, Mary Shelley, but also to the profound personal experiences that shaped her literary journey. To truly appreciate the intricate web of influences surrounding this iconic work, it is essential to delve into the significant events of Shelley's life and the cultural milieu of her time.

Mary Shelley's Formative Years

Born on August 30, 1797, Mary Shelley emerged from a lineage of notable thinkers and writers. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering feminist, authored the groundbreaking text A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Her father, William Godwin, was a philosopher and novelist whose works interrogated societal norms and political justice. This rich intellectual environment fostered a sense of inquiry and creativity within Mary from an early age.

However, tragedy struck early in her life. Mary Wollstonecraft died shortly after giving birth, a loss that profoundly impacted young Mary. This event instilled in her a complex relationship with motherhood and creation—central themes in Frankenstein. The void left by her mother's absence became a driving force in Mary’s desire to understand and articulate the female experience, particularly regarding childbirth.

The Romantic Context

The Romantic era, characterized by a fascination with emotion, nature, and the sublime, profoundly influenced Mary Shelley. The literary figures surrounding her, including Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Keats, were key players in shaping her artistic sensibilities. The exploration of dreams, the subconscious, and the interplay between reality and imagination were recurrent themes in Romantic literature. This fascination with the dream state found its way into Frankenstein, where the protagonist, Victor Frankenstein, experiences nightmarish visions that reflect his inner turmoil and existential dread.

One poignant example from the novel illustrates this connection:

"I thought I saw Elizabeth, in the bloom of health... but as I imprinted the first kiss on her lips, they became livid with the hue of death..." (Shelley 58).

This dream sequence encapsulates Victor's fears and foreshadows the catastrophic consequences of his hubris. The themes of creation, destruction, and the complexities of human emotion resonate deeply with Shelley’s own life experiences and anxieties surrounding motherhood.

Childbirth and Motherhood: A Duality of Creation

Mary Shelley’s experiences with childbirth were marked by profound sorrow. After the premature death of her first child, Clara, and the subsequent loss of her second child, William, she was left grappling with her fears of motherhood. These personal tragedies informed her portrayal of creation in Frankenstein, where the monster serves as an embodiment of her anxieties. The creature, initially innocent and benevolent, becomes a tragic figure, rejected by society and its creator, mirroring Mary’s own fears of failing as a mother.

Here is a list of significant events in Mary Shelley's life that influenced her writing of Frankenstein:

• The death of her mother shortly after childbirth.
• The premature birth and death of her first child, Clara.
• The birth of her second child, William, who also died at a young age.
• The tumultuous relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley, which influenced her literary output.
• The challenge from Byron and Percy to write a ghost story.

The Impact of Parental Legacy

Mary Shelley’s relationship with her parents also played a crucial role in shaping her literary voice. Although she never knew her mother, Wollstonecraft’s legacy as a feminist thinker and advocate for women's rights profoundly influenced Mary’s perspective on gender and societal expectations. In contrast, her father, William Godwin, encouraged her intellectual development and supported her writing endeavors. His philosophical writings on justice and morality provided a framework for Mary’s exploration of ethical dilemmas in her work.

Both parents, despite their absence in her formative years, left an indelible mark on Mary’s understanding of creation and the responsibilities that accompany it. Their influences are evident in the moral questions raised in Frankenstein regarding the responsibilities of creators towards their creations and the societal implications of scientific advancement.

Frankenstein as a Reflection of Shelley’s Anxieties

Ultimately, Frankenstein serves as a canvas upon which Mary Shelley projected her fears and aspirations. The narrative is not merely a horror story but a profound exploration of the complexities of creation, the ramifications of isolation, and the quest for identity. The monster, often perceived solely as a figure of terror, embodies the consequences of abandonment and the yearning for acceptance, resonating with Shelley’s own struggles with loss and rejection.

In conclusion, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein transcends the boundaries of a traditional horror narrative, offering a nuanced examination of the fears and complexities surrounding creation, motherhood, and societal expectations. Through her deeply personal experiences and the influences of the Romantic literary movement, Shelley crafted a story that continues to resonate with readers today. The interplay of personal tragedy, societal critique, and philosophical inquiry within Frankenstein underscores its enduring relevance and the profound impact of Mary Shelley’s life on her literature.

References:

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• Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.
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