Mary Shelley was one of the most important figures in the history of science fiction and horror literature, best known for her novel Frankenstein She was born in London in 1797 and died in London in 1851. Her unique and influential work is widely considered to be some of the earliest and most influential examples of science fiction, horror, and fantasy writing.
As such, Mary Shelley is an extremely popular topic for writing assignments and essays for scholars interested in literature, history, and philosophy. Here are the five best essay topic ideas related to Mary Shelley and her classic works:
1. Comparative Study of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula: This essay could compare the similarities and differences between the two influential works, investigating the use of the Gothic genre, spiritual and ethical themes, and the use of the supernatural.
2. The Impact of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein on Modern Literary Theory and Cultural Values: Writing about the profound effects of Shelley’s work on modern culture could explore the enduring relevance of Frankenstein’s themes, such as the power of the human imagination, social isolation, and the fear of science and technology.
3. Mary Shelley’s Use of Symbolism in Frankenstein: This essay could analyze the various symbols and their meanings in Shelley’s novel. It could also address the literary devices she used to convey deeper psychological and philosophical messages in her work.
4. A Discussion of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as an Expression of Her Social Values: This essay could explore how Shelley used the novel to make statements about the human condition, reflecting her unique values and views on politics, religion, and morality.
5. The Historical and Cultural Context of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: This essay could examine the influences of the Industrial Revolution and other historical trends on the novel’s themes and characters. It could also consider the religious and philosophical beliefs prevalent at the time to better understand Shelley’s creative process.
In conclusion, Mary Shelley is an undeniably influential and important figure in the history of literature, and her novel Frankenstein has had a profound and lasting impact on the development of modern horror, science fiction, and fantasy literature. There are many engaging and interesting topics related to Shelley and her creative works, as demonstrated by the five examples outlined in this essay.