Frankenstein Research Paper

"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" endures as one of the most influential novels in the history of literature. Since its first publication in 1818, people have universally acknowledged Mary Shelley as the sole author of this classic work. Recent claims of Percy Bysshe Shelley's authorship of "Frankenstein" have emerged, but a careful examination of the novel's themes, writing style, and collaborative environment supports Mary Shelley's claim to authorship.

John Lauritsen's claim that Percy Shelley authored the novel relies on his observations of the novel's writing style and comparisons to Percy's other works. Lauritsen's argument hinges on several key points. First, he observed that the writing style of "Frankenstein" more closely resembles

He argued that these techniques were more indicative of Percy's sophisticated style than Mary's. Moreover, Lauritsen drew attention to the numerous intertextual references and allusions to works of literature, philosophy, and science found throughout "Frankenstein." He posited that Percy's comprehensive education and knowledge in these areas were instrumental in shaping the novel's rich intellectual landscape. In contrast, Mary's relatively limited formal education would have provided her with a different depth of understanding and ability to engage with these complex ideas. However, it is essential to note that despite Mary's limited formal education, she was exposed to a wealth of intellectual resources and discussions through her parents and the circle of writers and thinkers she and Percy associated with. Mary's intellectual curiosity and capacity for self-directed learning should be considered. As such, she could have independently researched and incorporated these intertextual references into the

However, Lauritsen states, "There are great women writers, but Mary Shelley was not even a good one. The prose she wrote entirely on her own is flaccid, sentimental, verbose, and sometimes ungrammatical. Nowhere is there the slightest trace of the Frankenstein genius" (Lauritsen). This statement expresses that Lauritsen views the writing that Mary Shelley did without the help of others as mediocre and often containing grammatical mistakes. Critics argue that this perspective underestimates Mary's literary prowess and fails to account for her writing growth. It is crucial to consider that Mary's writing style and capabilities would have evolved throughout her life, and "Frankenstein" may represent a critical turning point in her development as an