Frankenstein: Birth of a Gothic Monster

What is the primary theme explored in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein?

Which historical event significantly influenced the writing of Frankenstein in 1816?

Who were Mary Shelley's companions when she conceived the idea for Frankenstein?

What kind of narrative structure is primarily used in Frankenstein?

What was the impact of the climatic conditions during the year 1816 on literature?

What was a notable characteristic of the 'Creature' in Frankenstein?

How has Frankenstein influenced other genres besides Gothic literature?

What literary movement does Mary Shelley belong to?

What inspired Mary Shelley's creation of Frankenstein?

What scientific topic was discussed that influenced the creation of Frankenstein's creature?

Which tragic personal experience significantly affected Mary Shelley's writing of Frankenstein?

How did Mary Shelley's upbringing influence her confidence as a writer?

Who encouraged Mary Shelley to develop her writing talents?

What concept is primarily explored in the creation of Frankenstein's creature?

What notable figure was Mary Shelley notably influenced by due to her tragic past?

What was one significant outcome of the discussions between Bysshe Shelley and Byron?

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, published in 1818, is a pioneering work in gothic literature and artificial life themes.
Celebrated its bicentennial anniversary in January 2018, highlighting its lasting significance in literary studies and adaptations in modern media.
The novel originated from a nightmare experienced by Shelley during a summer holiday with Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and Dr. John Polidori at Villa Diodati, Switzerland in 1816.

The Inspiration Behind the Novel

1816, known as ‘the year without a summer,’ was marked by global climatic disturbances due to the eruption of Mount Tambora, leading to lower temperatures and affected food production.
During this precarious summer, Byron proposed a ghost story competition, which spurred Shelley to write Frankenstein and Polidori to compose The Vampyre, influencing later works like Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897).
Shelley's introduction to the 1831 edition reveals that her nightmare stemmed from discussions on galvanism, raising questions about life and death through the lens of scientific exploration of electricity.

Themes and Personal Influences

The theme of unnatural birth in Frankenstein relates to Shelley’s personal tragedies, including the loss of her prematurely born child in 1815, influencing the creation of Victor's creature.
Critical discussions highlight Shelley's anxieties surrounding motherhood and the vulnerability of birth, rooted in her own experiences, including the death of her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, shortly after her birth.

Shelley’s Literary Development

Mary Shelley was the daughter of notable intellectuals, raised by her father, William Godwin, and struggled with self-confidence as an author despite encouragement from her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The death of her husband in 1822 deeply affected her personal life, alongside the heartache of losing most of her children, solidifying her understanding of loss and grief in her writing.

Explore the origins and themes of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, one of the earliest works to delve into the concept of artificial life. This quiz examines the tale of Victor Frankenstein and his tragic creation, highlighting the inspirations behind Shelley's iconic novel and its lasting impact on literature. Discover the key elements that define this gothic masterpiece.