Exploring the Influences That Sparked Mary Shelley’s Classic Gothic Tale- The Creation of Frankenstein
What influenced Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein? The answer to this question is multifaceted, encompassing a combination of personal experiences, intellectual curiosity, and the intellectual climate of the time. Shelley’s early life, her fascination with science and the supernatural, and the influence of her circle of intellectual friends all played significant roles in shaping her masterpiece.
Firstly, Mary Shelley’s own personal experiences had a profound impact on her decision to write Frankenstein. Born in 1797, Shelley was the daughter of the renowned philosopher and writer William Godwin and the feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. Her mother’s untimely death when she was only ten years old left a lasting impression on her. This early loss, combined with her father’s advocacy for vegetarianism and his opposition to vivisection, instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and a moral revulsion towards the idea of manipulating life.
Secondly, Mary Shelley’s intellectual curiosity was a driving force behind her writing. She was exposed to a wide range of ideas and philosophies through her parents’ circle of friends, which included such influential figures as Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Polidori. These individuals were part of the Romantic movement, which emphasized the importance of emotion, individualism, and the supernatural. The discussions and debates that took place within this circle undoubtedly influenced Shelley’s thoughts on the boundaries of human knowledge and the moral implications of scientific advancements.
One of the most significant influences on Frankenstein was the 1816 “Sorcerer’s Convention” at Lord Byron’s villa in Switzerland. It was during this gathering that Mary, along with her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and their friend John Polidori, decided to write a ghost story. The idea of creating life through science was brought up during one of the evenings, and it sparked Mary’s imagination. She began to envision the horror of bringing a creature to life, only to have it turn against its creator.
Additionally, Mary Shelley’s reading of various works on science and the supernatural contributed to the development of her novel. She was particularly influenced by the works of philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and Voltaire, as well as the writings of scientists like Erasmus Darwin and Luigi Galvani. These sources provided her with the knowledge and inspiration to explore the ethical and philosophical implications of creating life.
In conclusion, what influenced Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein was a complex interplay of personal experiences, intellectual curiosity, and the intellectual climate of her time. Her early loss, exposure to a wide range of ideas, and the discussions at the “Sorcerer’s Convention” all played a crucial role in shaping her masterpiece. Frankenstein remains a timeless exploration of the moral and ethical implications of scientific progress, and its origins can be traced back to the diverse influences that shaped Mary Shelley’s life and thoughts.
