Mary Shelley was the wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the most renowned Romantic poets of the 19th century. Born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin in 1797, she was the daughter of two important figures of the Enlightenment, William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft.
Mary and Percy met in 1814, when she was just 17 years old, and they soon fell in love. Despite the disapproval of their families, they eloped to Europe, where they lived and traveled together. Their relationship was marked by intense passion and artistic collaboration, with Percy serving as a mentor and inspiration to Mary as she began writing fiction.
The most famous result of their partnership was Mary's novel, "Frankenstein," which was first published in 1818. The novel is now considered a classic of Romantic and Gothic literature, and it has been adapted into numerous films and other forms of media.
Tragically, Percy Bysshe Shelley died at the young age of 29, leaving Mary to raise their children as a single mother. Despite this loss, she continued to write and publish throughout her life, and she remains an important figure in the history of English literature.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley were not only partners in love, but also in art and intellectual pursuits. Their relationship was central to both of their creative legacies, and it continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.