Mary Shelley or Mary Godwin was an English writer. She is known for creating the infamous Frankenstein. Mary Shelley wrote the noble Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus. She was also the wife of romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Mary Shelley Biography
Mary Shelley was born on 30 August 1797. She was born as Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin. She was born in London. She was born to political philosopher William Goodwin. Her mother Mary Wollstonecraft was a renowned Feminist. Mary Shelley’s mother died 10 days after her birth. Her father married William Clairmont. She grew up with older half-sister Fanny Imlay and step-siblings Charles and Claire Clairmont. Mary Shelley received very little formal education. She was tutored by her father.
In 1812 her father sent her to Scotland. In 1814 Percy Bysshe Shelley was frequently visiting her father’s home. He had become estranged from his first wife. Percy Bysshe Shelley also became an apprentice to her father. Mary Shelley and P.B Shelley started a romantic relationship soon. They secretly met each other and fell in love. William Goodwin didn’t allow for this. Mary Shelley left for France. She with her stepsister Claire went to France with Percy Bysshe Shelley. William Goodwin disowned Mary Shelley. After that, they went to Switzerland. Lord Byron asked Mary Shelley and P. B. Shelley to write small ghost stories for amusement. Unable to write a ghost story Mary Shelley ended up creating Frankenstein. She published her book Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus in 1918. On their return to England, they were informed of Harriet Shelley’s suicide. In 1822 Percy Shelley died at sea.
Mary Shelley was a philosopher herself. She believed in Free Love. Free Love is sort of an Open Relationship. But she only loved Percy Bysshe Shelley. She had flirted with Thomas Jefferson Hogg. The relationship was with Percy’s consent. She is regarded as one of the best writers of her time. She had written many stories in her life. Her other notable works are Mathilda, The Last Man, and Falkner.
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