Step into the mesmerizing world of Mary Shelley, the brilliant mind behind literature’s most iconic novels, “Frankenstein,” and “The Last Man.”
First, I will explore the genesis of Mary Shelley’s magnum opus, “Frankenstein.”
Then, I will venture into the realms of “The Last Man,” an often-overlooked gem in Shelley’s literary repertoire. Brace yourself for a journey through a post-apocalyptic world, as we explore Shelley’s visionary portrayal of a devastated Earth and the struggles of the last surviving human.
Honestly, her novel, “The Last Man” is the reason I rank her as one of my favorite writers. Her prose is both eloquent and evocative, evoking the stories to a visceral level.
The Birth of Frankenstein
One of the reasons why I appreciated Mary Shelley is her ability to delve into the depths of human nature and explore profound themes. “Frankenstein” is a masterpiece that explores the consequences of unchecked ambition, the complexity of the human condition, and the ethical implications of scientific progress.
On March 11, 1818, the novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, was published anonymously in London. However, as we know now, it was written by a young woman named Mary Shelley. This author soon became one of my all-time favorite writers! It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a grotesque but intelligent creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
Mary began writing the complex story when she was just 18, and it was published two years later. Her name did not appear on it until the second edition in 1823. The #book was written as part of a literary contest of sorts. It happened while Mary was traveling through Europe. She was staying in Geneva with her husband, poet Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and his friend, John Polidori. One night, they had a discussion about occult ideas, and a challenge was proposed about which of them might write the best horror story. Polidori penned a tale called “The Vampyre,” but Mary’s story would become a classic of Gothic Horror literature.
After thinking for days, Mary dreamt about a scientist who created life and was horrified by what he had made. Her dream became a story that has had a tremendous influence on horror, science fiction, books, and films — now more than two centuries after it was written.
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How Mary Shelley Wrote “The Last Man“
Oh, Mary Shelley’s journey in writing “The Last Man” is quite fascinating! “The Last Man” is a novel published in 1826, and it is a departure from Shelley’s more famous work, “Frankenstein.”
Mary Shelley began writing “The Last Man” following the death of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and several other close friends. Grief-stricken and seeking solace in her writing, she channeled her emotions into this apocalyptic tale.
“The Last Man” is set in the late 21st century and tells the story of Lionel Verney, the titular last man alive on Earth. The novel explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the fragility of human existence. It also delves into political and philosophical ideas, reflecting the tumultuous times in which Shelley lived.
While writing the novel, Shelley drew inspiration from her personal experiences, including the loss of her loved ones. She also incorporated elements of Romanticism, blending them with her own thoughts on society and the future. The result is a reflection of Shelley’s own inner struggles and contemplations.
“The Last Man” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising Shelley’s writing style and emotional depth, while others found fault with the novel’s structure and pacing. However, over the years, the novel has gained recognition for its unique and thought-provoking approach to the dystopian genre.
Mary Shelley’s “The Last Man” stands as a testament to her resilience as a writer and her ability to explore complex themes through her storytelling. It remains an intriguing work that showcases Shelley’s talent beyond her iconic creation, “Frankenstein.”
Mad Men is a disturbing dark fiction anthology written to better understand the sublime and the infinite strangeness that drives us all. When these writers set out to tell a story, they are less interested in conveying fear and more interested in wonder, the sublime, and the infinite strangeness in which our lives are entrenched.
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Mary Shelley
Additionally, Mary Shelley’s own life story adds another layer of fascination to her work. From a young age, she was exposed to the literary world through her parents, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin. Her unconventional upbringing and the tragic events in her personal life, such as the loss of loved ones, greatly influenced her writing and lent an air of authenticity and emotional depth to her works.
Isn’t it awe-inspiring how Mary Shelley’s personal experiences influenced her writing and gave birth to such a captivating novel?
Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary life of Mary Shelley, a literary pioneer whose name has become synonymous with brilliance and imagination. Born on August 30, 1797, in London, Mary Shelley was destined for greatness from an early age. She was the daughter of renowned philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft, and her parents’ intellectual pursuits greatly influenced her upbringing. Tragically, Mary’s mother passed away shortly after her birth, leaving a profound impact on her life and shaping her perspective on feminism and social justice.
At the tender age of 18, Mary Shelley created what would become her most famous work, “Frankenstein.” Published in 1818, this groundbreaking novel explored themes of scientific ambition, the human condition, and the consequences of playing god. It captivated readers around the world, solidifying Mary Shelley’s place in literary history.
But her talents did not end there. Mary went on to write other notable works, including “The Last Man,” a post-apocalyptic novel that showcased her visionary storytelling abilities. Throughout her life, she continued to write and advocate for social reform, using her words to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of literature.
Mary Shelley’s legacy as a trailblazing author and feminist icon lives on, as her works continue to inspire and captivate generations of readers. Her remarkable imagination, unwavering spirit, and indomitable determination have solidified her as one of literature’s most influential figures. Prepare to be inspired as we delve deep into the life and works of this literary luminary, Mary Shelley.
Thank you for visiting with us. For more poetry or Literature related content, visit our blog at The Ritual.
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