Frankenstein Bio & Background Flashcard

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What was controversial about Mary Shelley's marriage to Percy Bysshe Shelley?

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Mary's marriage to Percy Bysshe Shelley was controversial because she was a teen, 'the other woman,' and pregnant.

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What was unusual about the first publication of 'Frankenstein' in 1818?

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People thought that Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote 'Frankenstein'.

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How did Mary Shelley come up with the idea of reanimating a corpse?

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The idea came to Mary Shelley via a dream she had.

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What are key elements of gothic literature?

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Key elements of gothic literature include a focus on horror, fear, and the dangers and destructive powers of nature.

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What scientific interests were popular during the late 18th century?

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Popular scientific interests during the late 18th century included polar exploration and galvanism.

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Who was Mary Shelley's husband and what was his significance?

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Mary Shelley's husband was Percy Bysshe Shelley, a prominent Romantic poet known for his radical ideas and influence on literature.

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What role did dreams play in Mary Shelley's writing process?

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Dreams played a significant role in Mary Shelley's writing process, particularly in inspiring the concept of reanimation in 'Frankenstein'.

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What is galvanism and how is it related to 'Frankenstein'?

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Galvanism is the process of using electricity to stimulate muscle contraction, which relates to 'Frankenstein' through the theme of reanimating life.

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What themes are commonly explored in gothic literature?

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Common themes in gothic literature include isolation, the supernatural, and the exploration of human psychology.

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How did societal views on women influence Mary Shelley's writing?

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Societal views on women influenced Mary Shelley's writing by shaping her experiences and the themes of female autonomy and creation in 'Frankenstein'.