Podcast
Questions and Answers
What literary circle did Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and Dr. John Polidori form during a stormy summer in 1816?
What literary circle did Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and Dr. John Polidori form during a stormy summer in 1816?
Why did Mary Shelley choose to initially remain anonymous as the author of 'Frankenstein'?
Why did Mary Shelley choose to initially remain anonymous as the author of 'Frankenstein'?
What personal event led Mary Shelley into a deep depression in 1815?
What personal event led Mary Shelley into a deep depression in 1815?
In what year did Mary Shelley finish writing 'Frankenstein'?
In what year did Mary Shelley finish writing 'Frankenstein'?
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Which character in 'Frankenstein' embodies hubris and criticism of the Age of Enlightenment?
Which character in 'Frankenstein' embodies hubris and criticism of the Age of Enlightenment?
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What societal issue is reflected in Mary Shelley's portrayal of women in 'Frankenstein'?
What societal issue is reflected in Mary Shelley's portrayal of women in 'Frankenstein'?
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Who challenged Mary Shelley to write a scary story that led to the creation of 'Frankenstein'?
Who challenged Mary Shelley to write a scary story that led to the creation of 'Frankenstein'?
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'Frankenstein' was published under which author's name in its initial edition?
'Frankenstein' was published under which author's name in its initial edition?
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'Frankenstein' was written by Mary Shelley while she was which of the following?
'Frankenstein' was written by Mary Shelley while she was which of the following?
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'Frankenstein' reflected criticism towards which historical period or movement?
'Frankenstein' reflected criticism towards which historical period or movement?
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Study Notes
- Mary Shelley, born in 1797 in London, was the daughter of William Godwin, a political Anarchist, and Mary Wollstonecraft, a founding mother of feminism.
- Mary eloped to Europe at 16 with Percy Bysshe Shelley, a famous poet, causing scandal and her father's fury.
- In 1815, Mary gave birth prematurely to a baby girl who died shortly after, sending her into deep depression.
- Mary conceived again and in 1816 gave birth to a son named William.
- During a stormy summer in 1816 at Lake Geneva, Mary Shelley, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and Dr. John Polidori formed a literary circle where Mary was challenged to write a scary story, leading to the creation of "Frankenstein".- Mary Shelley finished writing "Frankenstein" in 1818 while pregnant, despite facing personal tragedies and health issues.
- She initially chose to remain anonymous as a female author due to societal expectations, revealing her identity in a later edition in 1823.
- The female characters in "Frankenstein" represent the Regency feminine ideal, reflecting societal expectations of women during that era.
- Mary Shelley's portrayal of women in the novel reflects her concerns about women's lack of agency during the Regency Era.
- The character of Victor Frankenstein embodies hubris and criticism of the Age of Enlightenment, showcasing excessive pride and dangerous overconfidence.
- The novel explores themes of scientific advancement, personal glory, and the consequences of unchecked ambition during the Enlightenment period.
- The creature in "Frankenstein" challenges the concept of human exceptionalism by exhibiting intelligence, altruism, and humanity despite being rejected by society.
- The novel also delves into Gothic themes of psychological terror, revenge, and the consequences of industrialization during the Industrial Revolution.
- Mary Shelley's romantic sensibilities and appreciation for nature are evident throughout "Frankenstein," reflecting her concerns about the impact of industrialization on the environment.
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Description
Explore the life of Mary Shelley and the creation of her iconic novel 'Frankenstein'. Learn about the societal influences, themes, and characters in the novel that reflect the Regency Era and the Age of Enlightenment.
