What Writers Influenced Mary Shelley?

Mary Shelley is renowned for her work writing Frankenstein, which is often referred to as one of the greatest works of science-fiction in history. This novel has left a lasting impression on the genre, and on literature as a whole, but it did not come out of nowhere. Just like any other writer, Mary Shelley was influenced by the works of the writers that came before her.

There is little doubt that Mary Shelley’s upbringing placed a major impact on her thought process and literary endeavors. She was the daughter of two of the most influential writers of the Romantic era - Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin. Her mother was one of the pioneers of feminist literature, while her father was an advocate for political reform. It was perhaps inevitable that the works of these writers would have a profound influence on the writing of Mary Shelley. However, the influence of her parents on her writing was not the only one that was present.

In this article, we will explore some of the major writers who influenced Mary Shelley. These are the writers whose works have been found in Shelley’s personal library and whose style and themes have been shown to be an influence on the creation of Frankenstein.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is often considered one of the greatest writers in human history. His plays and sonnets have left an impact on countless writers throughout the years, and Mary Shelley was no exception. In fact, she references Shakespeare’s works numerous times throughout the pages of Frankenstein. The major references are to two of his plays - The Tempest and Othello. The former is a tale of magic and wonder, while the latter is a symbolism of jealousy and fear. In Frankenstein, the connection is made between the two – Shelley also shows the ruin that comes from too much curiosity or jealousy.

John Milton

The influence of John Milton on Mary Shelley, like that of William Shakespeare, is apparent throughout the pages of Frankenstein. Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, was a major influence on Mary Shelley’s depiction of the monster. Paradise Lost features a complex creation story, and, as we know, in Frankenstein the creature himself grapples with existential questions. The poem Paradise Lost has been referred to as ‘Frankenstein of literature’ due to its combination of moralistic themes and supernatural horror.

Voltaire

Voltaire’s ability to mix science and philosophy provided Mary Shelley with the framework to build a story with intriguing themes. Voltaire’s two short stories “The Ingénu” and ”Micromégas”, both depict creatures from other worlds interacting with our own. These stories carry the same sense of exploration and the same air of inquiry that Frankenstein possesses. Voltaire’s humor suggests Shelley had a preference of approaching serious subjects with a tinge of comedy.

William Wordsworth

William Wordsworth’s poetry is full of nature imagery, and his belief in the importance of nature has been seen in Frankenstein as well. The scenery in Frankenstein is both beautiful and foreboding, like it is in Wordsworth’s poetry. Moreover, Wordsworth’s emphasis on the natural world served as an inspiration for Frankenstein's constant questioning of innovation as it doesn’t always match with the laws of nature.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, is a famous novel of tragic love that caused a sensation across Europe when it was first published. The book had a profound impact on Mary Shelley, who was only a teenager, when she read it. The novel’s underlying themes of desire and ambition, as well as its exploration of the dark side of human nature, would inspire Shelley to create a character such as the monster who is likewise seeking to connect with humankind even though his nature is not the same.

Conclusion

The writers mentioned in this article were the major influences on Mary Shelley, though there is no question that others played a role as well. However, much can be drawn on just these five. William Shakespeare and John Milton both posed fundamental questions about good and evil and the nature of human existence that resonated with Shelley’s own struggles. Voltaire provided Shelley with a rationale to mix philosophy, comedy, and science. William Wordsworth demonstrated the power of nature imagery to evoke genuine emotions. Finally, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe depicted the sense of unease and self-discovery that Shelley would replicate in her novel.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has changed the way science fiction authors view the genre-and texts will forever be compared to the novel for its lasting impact on literature and pop culture. However, greatness is never borne out of a vacuum, and Shelley’s authors shaped her ideas. Though only five are mentioned, many more influenced, directly or indirectly, her writing. Today, the works of these writers remain and continue to inspire a new generation of authors just as they did for Mary Shelley.