Mary Shelly and the Birth

Mary Shelly and the Birth of Frankenstein

Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is a classic piece of literature that highlights a number of different themes. To fully understand the underlying meaning of these various themes requires an examination of five peer reviewed pieces of literature. At which point: a summary, an analysis and review will take place. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to the underlying themes between Marry Shelly and the birth of Frankenstein.

Badalamenti, Anthony. "Why Did Mary Shelly Write Frankenstein." Journal of Religion and Health 45.3 (2006): 419 -- 439. Print.

In the article, Why Did Mary Shelly Write Frankenstein, it talks about how the novel is a work about tragedy that occurred in her life. Where, her lover (Percy Shelly) hurt her in their romantic relationships. According to the article, this distorted view of the events in Frankenstein's life were, in fact negative emotions that she had, as far as this relationship is concerned. Percy represents the lost hopes and desires that she has for their relationship, which spirals out of control. This article is useful in helping to understand the underlying reasons that effect human behavior. The author (Anthony Badalamenti) is research psychiatrist, who works for Columbia University. The various distinctions that he holds include: a member of the Society for Psychoanalytic Therapy. This article is useful in helping to highlight some of the underlying reasons that motivated Shelly when she was completing a classic masterpiece.

Duncker, Particia. "Marry Shelly's After Lives: Biography and Invention." Women a Cultural Review 15.2 (2004): 230 -- 249. Web. 20 Mar. 2010.

In the article Marry Shelly's After Lives: Biography and Invention, it talks about the various events that shaped Mary Shelly's life to include: suicide, travel, romance, drama and death. Together, all of these different elements are reflected in Frankenstein. However, beneath the surface, the novel represents a classic coming of age of the woman writer. Where, Shelly was able to use the events in Frankenstein to indirectly point out the influence of women in writing. This source is credible in identifying other underlying meanings that Shelly is trying to instill upon the reader. At which point, a new perspective of the novel can be seen from a woman's point-of-view during that time. This allows you to see the societal influences that had an effect on Shelly.

Freedman, Carl. "Hail Mary: On the Author of Frankenstein and the Origins of Science Fiction." Science Fiction Studies 29.2 (2002): 253 -- 264. Print.

In the article Hail Mary: On the Author of Frankenstein and the Origins of Science Fiction, it talks about how Mary Shelly uses one of the first ideas now commonly found in science fiction, robots. While, the term was not directly used, the idea that humans could create intelligent life that can make independent decisions was ground breaking. This would serve as a basic blue print for future science fiction author Ivan Asimov. The article was useful because it highlights a change that is taking place. Where, the world of literature is changing and evolving from the traditional writings of the past to embrace new a genre. In many ways, Frankenstein serves a bridge between the literature of the past and science fiction.

Glausiusz, Josie. "The Spark of Frankenstein." Discover 23.8 (2002): Print. 20 Mar. 2010.

In the article the Spark of Frankenstein, it talks about how the lab scene was influenced by Mary Shelly's husband (Percy Shelly), who was working under Dr. James Lind. They were conducting experiments showing how electricity can cause a dead frog's leg to twitch. Then in 1816, after visiting Lord Byron's villa near Geneva, she had the background for her masterpiece. This is useful; because it highlights what factors helped Shelly, determine the setting of the novel. In many ways, the beginning of the novel is what initially grabs the reader. As they can see that something is different, despite the appearance that everything is normal.

Morton, Tim. "Modern Criticism." A Routledege Source Book on Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. New York: Routledge, 2002. 80 -90. Print.