The Life and Times of Mary Shelley A Surprisingly Drama-Filled Extravaganza! http://www.victorianweb.org/previctorian/mshelley/bio.html

Ingredient 1: Two Super-Smart Parents Dad: William Godwin Famous philosopher, journalist, novelist Mom: Mary Wollstonecraft Also famous! Feminist philosopher, educator, novelist She “argued that women were not naturally inferior to men, but they appeared that way due to lack of education.” Frankenstein, the Graphic Novel, Classical Comics Series

Ingredient 2: A Lonely Childhood Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin was born in London on Aug 30,1797 Her mother died shortly after her birth Her father remarried in 1801 Mary’s life was pretty chaotic. Living with an older half sister and two step-siblings, poor Mary often got overlooked. What’s worse, Mary’s stepmother didn’t care about educating her. But, Mary’s dad had a great library, and Mary taught herself to read in her free time.

Ingredient 3: A Scandalous Affair Percy Bysshe Shelley Born August 4, 1792 An author, poet, and radical thinker Greatly admired William Godwin However, Mary’s father did NOT approve of her relationship with Percy Percy was already married when he met Mary! http://www.biography.com/people/percy-bysshe-shelley-9481527

Ingredient 4: An Adventurous Life Mary & Percy run away together and have a pretty exciting life When they run away, Percy’s wife is pregnant. She sues for child support, then commits suicide. They live broke and shunned by their families until Percy’s grandfather leaves them an inheritance. Get married 2 years after eloping 3 of their children die young Mary’s half-sister commits suicide In 1822 Percy drowns while boating in a storm Mary never remarried, and died in 1851 of a brain tumor

Ingredient 5: A Writing Contest Summer 1816 - vacation in Switzerland Hang out with a bunch of intellectuals, including the poet Lord Byron While bored on a rainy day, Lord Byron challenges each friend to write a ghost story As a result, 19-year-old Mary writes Frankenstein 1818 - Frankenstein was published anonymously Percy Shelley wrote the introduction, and some believed he was the author 1831 - A second revised edition is published Mary Shelley is revealed as the author and writes her own introduction

Ingredient 6: Victorian Angst Age of Enlightenment (1700s) - movement that focused on natural law, universal order, and human reason. Wanted to progress human knowledge using scientific rational Industrial Revolution (late 1700s to 1800s) Transition from rural to urban Advances in technology including electrical experiments and the steam locomotive Age of Romanticism (1800s) - movement that focused on the individual, emotions, imagination, nature, and the supernatural. Powerful ideas come from the individual’s mind These thoughts are inspired by observing nature

Ingredient 6: Victorian Angst Victorian Era (1837-1901) - focused on high morals, decorum, and sound family structure Women were expected to be graceful, refined, and committed to the home. “Gentlemen” come from wealthy families. Also expected to have a good education so they could meet the needs of the advancing world. Middle class grew thanks to industrialization, but there were still lines between the merchants and the gentry. The British Empire was expanding, creating both national pride and anxiety about the future.

What’s the Result? It’s pretty incredible that Mary, an unwed teenage mother, beat two published and respected writers AND created what is now considered the first science fiction novel. In her novel, watch for elements of: Scientific advancement and how far it should take us The role of women – what values they should possess Romanization of nature and natural imagery Idealized individual – the importance of free-will, education, and personal abilities in defining a person’s life