Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at a young age while staying with Lord Byron. She was influenced to write a ghost story during this time. Mary was the daughter of pioneering feminist Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin. She married Percy Shelley when she was 17, though he was already married. Together they had close friends in Lord Byron and John Polidori, with whom they swapped ghost stories in Switzerland, inspiring Frankenstein. The novel became a classic of Romantic literature.

1. Mary Shelley and frankenstein

2. Mary Shelley Daughter of William Godwin and Mary Wollonstonecroft Father champion of poor Mother champion of women’s rights

3. Mary Shelley Married Percy Shelley when she was only seventeen Percy was already married at the time. Had to get remarried legally after first wife committed suicide

4. Mary Shelley Close friends with Lord Byron Swapped “ghost stories” at Byron’s summer home in Switzerland. Led to Frankenstein. Dr. John Polidori wrote “ The Vampyre.” Led to Bram Stoker’s Dracula Frankenstein was written when she was only nineteen.

5. Mary Shelley Percy drowned 1822. Mary carried his heart (not a metaphor) with her for the rest of her days. She died at age 54. Frankenstein has become a classic work of Romantic fiction.

6. Archetype An image, descriptive detail, plot pattern or character type that occurs frequently in literature, myth, religion or folklore Believed to evoke profound emotions Touches subconscious memory & calls up illogical but strong responses First used by Carl Jung

7. Myth A story involving archetypes Presents supernatural episodes as a means of interpreting events Seeks to explain a special perception of human beings or a cosmic view

8. Alchemy Medieval “science” and philosophy Convert base metals into gold Universal cure for disease Means of prolonging life.

9. Doppelg ä nger “ Double-Goer” in German A mysterious double Highlight character flaws or weakness in twin Similar in purpose to a dramatic foil

10. Gothic Novel Magic, mystery, and chivalry are the chief characteristics Dark, foreboding settings & brooding, mysterious characters Quasi-medieval feel horrific