The Context Of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Context. It is a simple concept in nature, yet when provided it uncovers a universe of in-depth understanding and appreciation; And while not all art needs context to be appreciated, learning the origins and means by which a work of art was created helps unveil a deeper truth. It serves as the catalyst that takes one’s mind to the next level of admiration and knowledge - and in respect to the masterpiece known as Frankenstein, none is more riveting than the context provided within the life of it’s creator, Mary Shelley. When examining her life - with her environment and key experiences within it, we find the blueprints of her masterpiece scattered throughout her timeline. We find clues like seeds taking root in her history, and with every revelation

Darwin, and some of the physiological writers of Germany, as not of impossible occurrence. I shall not be supposed as according the remotest degree of serious faith to such an imagination; yet, in assuming it as the basis of a work of fancy, I have not considered myself as merely weaving a series of supernatural terrors.” What this statement is saying is while she does not hold the conviction that the science in her tale is of absolute fact, she wants to point out that her and other scientists don’t discredit it as being completely impossible. She is using the frame of “plausible” to paint a picture unlike any other - taking the audience's imagination into the obscure and out of this world. Using the word plausible she created the unimaginable ... and in that statement is the very essence and birth of the Sci-Fi genre. It is because of Frankenstein that Mary Shelley is often regarded as the Godmother of the genre because in her book she wove in the very philosophy and common tropes found in our favorite Sci-Fi entertainment today. Frankenstein is not only a great novel in it of itself, but it pioneered a new genre of literature born out of a

This contradiction within her enabled her to create something of perfect balance. She created a genre that uses the frame of science and rational endeavor to paint the passion and emotion of people. With one book, Shelley created an art form that allows the common person to embrace science as an extension of their own humanity and to dream and wonder about all the untold possibilities; Because science is the thing that allows humans to take destiny into their own hands by literally building it. Just think about all the Sci-Fi that has sparked your imagination growing up! Mary Shelley set all this in motion and after discovering all the historical importance (both past and present) that this book represents, I will never look at Frankenstein as the boring old novel I once thought it