The Warsaw High School Times

By Piotr Gołębiowski

Graphic by Rita Pasiewicz

In the landscape of the history of literature, Mary Shelley is a beacon of innovation, a pioneer whose imagination forged paths into uncharted territories of storytelling. Although her name is synonymous with ‘Frankenstein’, her content and work extends far beyond this iconic tale. Mary Shelley, often hailed as the mother of science fiction, was a literary genius, but for many years her brilliance has been overshadowed and overlooked to this day.

It is important and interesting to note that Mary Shelley’s mother was none other than Mary Wollstonecraft, the 18th-century radical, free thinker and the woman most often credited with kickstarting feminism. Wollstonecraft’s groundbreaking work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, published in 1792, laid the groundwork for modern feminist theory. Her ideas challenged the status quo, arguing fiercely for women’s education, equality, and empowerment. Despite facing criticism and ridicule, Wollstonecraft’s unwavering dedication to her beliefs set a precedent for generations of feminists to come, earning her the title of the “mother of feminism.”

The story begins on a dark and stormy night in the summer of 1816, when Mary Shelley, along with her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, John William Polidori, and Claire Clairmont found themselves at a villa near Geneva Lake. Faced with pouring rain and gloomy weather, the group turned to storytelling to pass the time.

One memorable evening they took on a challenge – to create the most chilling, terrifying ghost story. Little did they know that this seemingly innocent bet would lead Mary Shelley to write one of the most influential works in literary history. While others struggled with their stories, Mary found inspiration in a dream. From the depths of her imagination emerged ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus’. ‘Frankenstein’ was not just a horror story, it was a bold leap into uncharted territory. Shelley dared to ask profound questions about the nature of humanity, the limits of scientific progress and the responsibility of inventors to their creations.

Published anonymously in 1818, ‘Frankenstein’ captivated readers with its unprecedented combination of gothic horror and scientific speculation. At its heart was the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who dares to challenge the boundaries of life and death, only to be haunted by the monstrous consequences of his creation.

Despite the groundbreaking nature of ‘Frankenstein’, Mary Shelley’s contribution to literature was largely overlooked during her lifetime. The fame of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, overshadowed her own achievements. As a woman writing in a male-dominated literary world, Mary faced numerous challenges and prejudices. It was only at the end of the 20th century that Mary Shelley’s genius began to gain the recognition it deserved. Academics and critics rediscovered her works, recognising her as a pioneer who laid the foundations of the science fiction genre.

But beyond ‘Frankenstein’, Mary Shelley’s works are a testament to her literary skills. Novels such as ‘The Last Man’, ‘Valperga’, ‘The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck’, ‘Lodore’ and the poignant novella ‘Mathilda’ show her versatility and depth as a writer. In ‘The Last Man’ she paints a haunting portrait of a world ravaged by plague, exploring themes of isolation, loss and the resilience of the human spirit. “Valperga” delves into the political intrigues of 14th century Italy, while “The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck” brings to life the turbulent history of medieval England.

As a big fan of Mary, I encourage you to delve into her history and to read her novels. Mary Shelley, the underrated icon, may have been forgotten by some, but her legacy remains indelible.