See more
When and where did Mary Shelley live?
Mary ShelleyBornMary Wollstonecraft Godwin30 August 1797 London, EnglandDied1 February 1851 (aged 53) London, EnglandOccupationWriterLanguageEnglish5 more rows
Where did Mary Shelley grow up?
Somers Town, London, EnglandMary ShelleyNameMary ShelleyBorn30 August 1797, Somers Town, London, EnglandDied1 February 1851, Chester Square, London, EnglandGenderFemaleLiterary periodRomantic3 more rows
Where did Mary Shelley live during the majority of her life?
The Shelleys were settled near Lenci, Italy, in 1822 when Percy Shelley drowned during a storm while sailing to meet Leigh Hunt and his wife. After a year in Italy, Mary returned to England for good with her son.
Where was Mary Shelley's house?
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein is a visitor attraction located at 37 Gay Street Bath BA1 2NT.
Did the author of Frankenstein lose her virginity?
Mary Shelley is said to have lost her virginity on her mother's grave (described by one social media user as the most 'goth' thing ever). 3. Her mother's grave was handy for something a bit more above board: Mary Shelley learned to write her name by tracing the letters on the headstone. 4.
What is Frankenstein's monster's name?
The creature is often erroneously referred to as "Frankenstein", but in the novel the creature has no name. He does call himself, when speaking to his creator, Victor Frankenstein, the "Adam of your labours".
What were Mary Shelley's last words?
Her mother's and grandmother's last words were the same: “A little patience and all will be over.” These last words were also said by Mary's character Matilda when she died by suicide in Mary's second novel by the same name.
How much money did Mary Shelley make from Frankenstein?
The 'exceptionally rare' copy went for four to six times its estimate. Mary Shelley may have only made a third of the net profits from the initial run of 500 copies of Frankenstein in 1818, but today she would have raked in more than $1 million from just one of those same books.
How many people died in Mary Shelley's life?
The first, a girl, was born prematurely and died eleven days later in 1815; William, born in 1816, died of malaria in 1819; Clara Everina, born in 1817, perished from dysentery the next year; Percy Florence, born in 1819, died in 1889. In 1822 Mary miscarried during her fifth pregnancy and nearly lost her life.
Where is house of Frankenstein?
Foolish mortals beware, this is the House of Frankenstein, located on the street of fun, Clifton Hill. According to Mary Shelly, Doctor Frankenstein created a monster from the dead.
Was Frankenstein written in the Bath?
Plans have been approved for the UK's first Frankenstein museum, celebrating author Mary Shelley's most famous story. Shelley wrote much of the novel while living in Bath over 200 years ago.
Where was Frankenstein written Bath?
Nineteen-year-old Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (later Mary Shelley) began her now famous novel in Switzerland in 1816. But the idea was developed and most of the story was written while she lived in Bath.
What was Mary Shelley's childhood like?
While she didn't have a formal education, she did make great use of her father's extensive library. Shelley could often be found reading, sometimes by her mother's grave. She also liked to daydream, escaping from her often challenging home life into her imagination.
What was Mary Shelley's pen name?
“Shelley did not have a male pseudonym like George Eliot. So publishers dealt with her ungenerously, kept on cutting her advances, and paying her less. And yet she kept going. She had to keep going, because she didn't have any other means of supporting herself.
When did Mary Shelley have her first child?
1815In 1815, Mary gave birth to her first child, a daughter, who died within a month. This deeply psychological event caused her much anxiety, and she wrote in her journal about a recurring dream she had a week later.
What happened in Mary Shelley's life?
In 1851, Mary died of a brain tumor. After she died, her family cleared the contents of her writing desk. In it, they found locks of her dead children's hair, as well as a parcel of Percy's cremated heart, wrapped in one of his last poems, Adonais.
Where did the Shelleys live?
The Shelleys were settled near Lenci, Italy, in 1822 when Percy Shelley drowned during a storm while sailing to meet Leigh Hunt and his wife. After a year in Italy, Mary returned to England for good with her son. After Percy's death Mary struggled to support herself and her child.
Who is Mary Shelley?
English novelist Mary Shelley is best known for writing Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus (1818) and for her marriage to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822).
What year did Mary Shelley travel to Germany?
The Shelleys' situation improved when Sir Timothy increased Percy Florence's allowance with his coming of age in 1840, which allowed mother and son to travel in Italy and Germany; their journeys are recounted in Rambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843 (1844). Too ill in her last few years to complete her most cherished project, a biography of her husband, Mary Shelley died at age fifty-three.
What are Mary Shelley's best known books?
Mary Shelley also produced five more novels, which received negative criticism for being too wordy and having awkward plots. The Last Man (1826) is her best-known work after Frankenstein. This novel, in which she describes the destruction of the human race in the twenty-first century, is noted as an inventive description of the future and an early form of science fiction. Valperga (1823) and The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck (1830) are historical novels that have received little attention from book critics, while Lodore (1835) and Falkner (1837), thought by many to be autobiographical (based on her own life), are often examined for clues to the lives of the Shelleys and their circle.
What did Mary Shelley read in Frankenstein?
It is also known that in these years she and Shelley both read John Milton's (1608–1674) Paradise Lost , and that she was interested at this same time in Godwin's Political Justice, Thomas Paine's (1737–1809) The Rights of Man, and Aeschylus's (525–456 B.C.E. ) Prometheus Bound. This is not to say that Mary Shelley borrowed her social and moral ideas from Paine, or from Shelley or Godwin. It is perfectly understandable that she shared the social thoughts of her father and her husband and that she wove these ideas, which were shared also by many of the enlightened English public during those years, into a pattern of her own making.
What influence did Percy Shelley have on Frankenstein?
Scholars have also debated the value of the additional narratives that he encouraged his wife to write. While some have praised the novel's resulting three-part structure, others have argued that these additions take away from and merely pad the story. Many have also noted the influence of Shelley's father's social views in the book; in addition, some critics claim to have found links to his fiction.
What did Mary Shelley study?
They also maintained a schedule of very strict study—including classical and European literature, Greek, Latin, and Italian language, music and art—and other writing. During this period Mary completed Frankenstein, the story of a doctor who, while trying to discover the secret of life, steals bodies. Mary Shelley. ...
Where was Mary Shelley's parents buried?
After her death, her son Percy and daughter-in-law Jane had Mary Shelley’s parents exhumed from St. Pancras Cemetery in London (which had fallen into neglect over time) and had them reinterred beside Mary at the family’s tomb in St. Peter’s in Bournemouth.
Where did Mary Shelley go to stay with her father?
During the summer of 1812, Shelley went to Scotland to stay with an acquaintance of her father William Baxter and his family. There she experienced a type of domestic tranquility she had never known. Shelley returned to the Baxters' home the following year. In 1814, Mary began a relationship with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
How did Mary Shelley die?
Death. Shelley died of brain cancer on February 1, 1851, at age 53, in London, England. She was buried at St. Peter's Church in Bournemouth, laid to rest with the cremated remains of her late husband's heart. After her death, her son Percy and daughter-in-law Jane had Mary Shelley’s parents exhumed from St.
What book did Mary Shelley write?
It was at this time that Mary Shelley began work on what would become her most famous novel, Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus.
What did Shelley do as a child?
Shelley also found a creative outlet in writing. According to The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft, she once explained that "As a child, I scribbled; and my favourite pastime, during the hours given me for recreation, was to 'write stories.'" She published her first poem, "Mounseer Nongtongpaw," in 1807, through her father's company.
What is Shelley's legacy?
It was roughly a century after her passing that one of her novels, Mathilde, was finally released in the 1950s. Her lasting legacy, however, remains the classic tale of Frankenstein. This struggle between a monster and its creator has been an enduring part of popular culture. In 1994, Kenneth Branagh directed and starred in a film adaptation of Shelley's novel. The film also starred Robert De Niro, Tom Hulce and Helena Bonham Carter. Her work has also inspired some spoofs, such as Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder. Shelley's monster lives on in such modern thrillers as I, Frankenstein (2013) as well.
When did Mary Shelley and Percy Shelley wed?
Another suicide, this time by Percy's wife, occurred a short time later. Mary and Percy Shelley were finally able to wed in December 1816. She published a travelogue of their escape to Europe, History of a Six Weeks' Tour (1817), while continuing to work on her soon-to-famous monster tale.
Where was Mary Shelley born?
Childhood & Early Life. Mary Shelley was born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin on 30 August 1797, in Somers Town, London, to writer and philosopher William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft. She had a half-sister named Fanny Imlay and they were raised by William Godwin after the death of their mother.
What is Mary Shelley famous for?
Mary Shelley was an English novelist renowned for her fictional writing and the ghastly themes she employed in her novels. She was born to Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin who were literarily and politically active. Her mother was a feminist and the author of ‘A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.’ Mary was not fortunate enough to get enriched by her mother’s knowledge as she died soon after Mary’s birth. Mary had to go through tremendous psychological turmoil as her father re-married, leaving her to deal with her step-mother who was unfair to her. However, she learnt to deal with the turmoil by indulging in writing and spending time dwelling on imagination. This helped her to overcome the mental stress and also enhanced her imagination which in turn helped her in her career as a fictional author. This writer did not have any formal education but was fortunate to live in the company of many literary geniuses like Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, and P. B. Shelley. She penned her first novel ‘Frankenstein’ which is regarded as one of the best known horror stories till date. Her narration and detailed description often grab the readers’ attention. She is also credited with creating some of the best-known ghostly characters in the world of fiction.
How many children did Mary Shelley have?
However, the couple did not have an easy life as their life was shrouded with tragedies. They suffered the loss of three children and the fourth child Percy Florence was the only one to survive into adulthood. Mary was struck with another blow when her husband P. B. Shelley met with a tragic death in the year 1822.
What happened to Mary Shelley?
Mary was struck with another blow when her husband P. B. Shelley met with a tragic death in the year 1822 . This author breathed her last on 1 February 1851 at Chester Square after suffering from a long-term illness. She was suffering from brain tumor as stated by the doctors.
What was Mary Shelley's first novel?
In 1816, inspired by the company of Lord Byron and Polidori, which she had during the vacation at Geneva, Switzerland, Mary Shelley began to draft her first novel ‘Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.’. In 1817, this writer released a travelogue titled ‘History of a Six Weeks Tour’ based on her sojourn in Europe.
How did Mary learn to deal with her father?
However, she learnt to deal with the turmoil by indulging in writing and spending time dwelling on imagination.
Who published Percy Bysshe Shelley's poems?
‘Posthumous Poems of Percy Bysshe Shelley’ and ‘The Poetical Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley’ were published by Mary Shelley after the death of her husband P. B. Shelley.
Who was Mary Shelley's mother?
Her father William Godwin wrote the famous An Enquiry Concerning Political Justice (1793) and her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft was famous for writing A Vindication of the Rights of Women (1792). Mary Wollstonecraft died only ten years after the birth of Mary Shelley.
How did Mary Shelley die?
On February 1, 1851, at the age of 54, Mary Shelley died in sleep as a result of a brain tumor . She was living in London at the time of her death. Mary Shelley’s body was laid to rest at the Saint Peter’s Churchyard/Bournemouth Cemetery in Bournemouth, Dorset, England.
What books did Mary Shelley write?
In addition to these, Shelley also wrote a number of short stories, travelogues and other works.
Why was Frankenstein important to Mary Shelley?
Frankenstein also proved to be an important mark in making literature contributions by women acceptable. Although Mary Shelley wrote more, none of her other works gained the popularity Frankenstein did.
How long after Mary Shelley died did Mary Wollstonecraft live?
Mary Wollstonecraft died only ten years after the birth of Mary Shelley. Being born to parents with literary interests, it was no surprise that Mary grew up to be a writer herself. Holding a keen interest in literature, Mary was self educated. Her interests were given a boost by the environment in which she was raised.
What was Mary Shelley's greatest achievement?
Although Mary Shelley wrote many works, her biggest achievement was the creation of the most memorable monster, Frankenstein. It is believed that the story was a result of a dare made by Lord Byron that she write a ghost story. Frankenstein became one of the first bestselling works to be published by a woman.
When did Mary Shelley publish her first poem?
Mary published her first poem at the age of ten followed by many more publications. In 1812, Mary met Percy Shelley. The two became involved in a controversial romance since Percy was already married and his wife was expecting their first child.
Who was Mary Shelley's husband?
Mary Shelley’s husband was Percy Bysshe Shelley, a talented romantic poet with unconventional beliefs that enticed born rebel Mary Godwin. His belief in free love and his love of acting the hero to oppressed women made him an exciting, intoxicating man for Mary.
How did Mary Shelley die?
Mary Shelley died of a brain tumor on February 1, 1851. Her contribution to literary history extends far beyond Frankenstein. After Percy Shelley died, she ensured he was remembered for his literary works rather than the political beliefs that marred his reputation during his lifetime.
How many children did Mary Shelley have?
Mary Shelley had five children, but only one survived to adulthood. She gave birth for the first time on February 22, 1815, to a stillborn, premature baby girl. Her second child arrived on January 24, 1816, a healthy boy named William for Mary’s father. Sadly, he died in Rome on June 7, 1819, during an outbreak of malaria. The pair’s third child was a girl born on September 2, 1817. They named her Clara. She too, died during their travels in Italy, on September 24, 1818, less than a year before her brother William. Percy buried her in Lido in an unmarked grave. Mary gave birth to their fourth child, the only one who would survive to adulthood, on November 12, 1819. They named him Percy Florence for the city he was born in. He lived until December 5, 1889. Mary miscarried their last child in May 1822, almost dying of blood loss.
What was Mary's reaction to her stepmother?
Mary disliked her new stepmother and fought with her constantly. Her father, tired of the constant fighting between them and unwilling to intervene directly, sent Mary to Scotland in the summer of 1812 to stay with a friend named William Baxter. Baxter’s daughter Isabella had many similar intellectual pursuits as Mary and they became fast friends. Mary returned to England in November and returned to Scotland the following spring. The next time she returned home was in the spring of 1814. Waiting to meet her was Percy Shelley, a young poet in his early 20s and an admirer of Godwin’s Political Justice.
What did Mary Shelley write in her letter to a friend?
In a letter to a friend in 1827, she wrote of her mother, “The memory of my Mother has always been the pride and delight of my life & the admiration of others for her, has been the cause of much happiness …I have enjoyed.”.
What was Mary's last word?
Her mother’s and grandmother’s last words were the same: “A little patience and all will be over.”. These last words were also said by Mary’s character Matilda when she died by suicide in Mary’s second novel by the same name.
What is Mary's second book?
Her books in order of publication are as follows: Frankenstein: Published 1818. Mathilda: Mary wrote her second novel in 1819 and sent her draft to her father to find a publisher in London. He was disgusted with its content and refused to send it out or return the draft. It was finally published in 1959.
Where did Mary Shelley meet her mother?
The two began to secretly meet at Mary’s mother’s grave, which was a special place for her. She said that she learned to write by tracing out her mother’s name on her gravestone with her finger. Mary Shelley had a liberal view of marriage and love. Her father, and society in general, opposed their relationship.
Who was Mary Shelley's husband?
A secret love. When Mary Shelley was 17, she met poet and writer Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was married. He was 22 years old at the time, and he frequented Mary’s family home as he was her father’s friend. The two began to secretly meet at Mary’s mother’s grave, which was a special place for her.
What book did Mary Shelley dream about?
After one of those meetings, she dreamed about the character that would form a central part of her most famous book: Frankenstein. Last update: 21 October, 2019.
How did Percy Florence die?
In 1822, Percy drowned during a trip on a sailing boat. Mary asked to have his body cremated, but asked to have his heart taken out first. Soon after that, she returned to England with her fourth child, Percy Florence. In the final years of her life, Mary suffered paralysis in different parts of her body. She died at the age of 54, probably a victim of a brain tumor.
Why did Percy and Claire move to Paris?
The couple’s relationship was based on a mutual interest in literature and new ideas. However, Percy often had to move about in order to avoid his creditors.
What happened to Percy and Mary?
Shortly after these events, Percy’s wife committed suicide. This caused much of society to reject his relationship with Mary. Because of this, and their debts, they decided to move. They went to Geneva, where they had interesting evenings with Lord Byron, the great poet, who also had a son with Mary’s stepsister. Those evenings inspired Mary, who had a dream about Frankenstein’s plot and started to write it soon afterward.
How did Mary die?
In the final years of her life, Mary suffered paralysis in different parts of her body. She died at the age of 54, probably a victim of a brain tumor. After her death, people came across her desk when they were looking through her house.
