The Young Genius Behind 'Frankenstein': How Old Was Mary Shelley?
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, a cornerstone of gothic horror, continues to captivate audiences centuries after its initial publication in 1818. With over 190 adaptations spanning theatre and film, and the highly anticipated Guillermo del Toro adaptation starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac generating significant buzz, the question of who penned this iconic story – and at what age – is once again on everyone's minds.
The answer might surprise you. Mary Shelley wasn't a seasoned, middle-aged author when she brought Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation to life. She was just 19 years old!
A Summer of Inspiration: The Lake Geneva Setting
The genesis of Frankenstein is intrinsically linked to a rather extraordinary summer. In 1816, Mary Shelley, her future husband Percy Bysshe Shelley, their friend Lord Byron, and John William Polidori were staying at Villa Diodati, a house by Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The weather that year was exceptionally harsh, leading to prolonged periods of rain and forcing the group indoors. To pass the time, they engaged in storytelling and literary challenges.
Byron proposed a challenge: each member of the group should write a ghost story. While Polidori would later pen 'The Vampyre,' which launched the modern vampire genre, Mary Shelley initially struggled to find a compelling narrative. However, a vivid dream, sparked by discussions about galvanism (the then-popular scientific theory of reanimating dead tissue through electricity), ignited her imagination.
From Dream to Novel: The Creation of 'Frankenstein'
The dream featured a young student who, obsessed with unlocking the secrets of life, assembled a creature from various body parts and brought it to life. Horrified by his creation, the student abandoned it. This haunting image became the foundation for Frankenstein. Mary Shelley began writing, expanding upon the dream and developing the complex themes of ambition, creation, responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
The initial manuscript was completed in 1817, and Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus was published anonymously in 1818. It was later revised and republished in 1831 under Mary Shelley’s name.
Why Her Youth Matters
The fact that such a profound and enduring work of literature was written by a teenager is remarkable. It speaks to the extraordinary intellect and creativity of Mary Shelley. Her youth also lends a unique perspective to the novel's themes. The anxieties surrounding creation and responsibility, the fear of the unknown, and the questioning of societal norms are all viewed through the eyes of a young woman grappling with her own place in the world.
The Legacy Continues
Guillermo del Toro's upcoming adaptation promises to bring a fresh and visually stunning interpretation of Frankenstein to audiences worldwide. As we eagerly await its release, it’s worth remembering the remarkable story of the young woman who conceived this timeless tale – a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley.
