Was Frankenstein the First Science Fiction Novel? A Look at Mary Shelley’s Classic

Introduction

Published in 1818, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is widely regarded as one of the earliest works of science fiction. But what makes it a science fiction novel? What elements of science and fiction come together to make this story so timelessly influential? In this article, we’ll explore these questions and examine how Mary Shelley used the genre of science fiction to explore some of the most pressing topics of her era.

Analyzing the Science and Fiction in Frankenstein

Released during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, Shelley’s novel drew heavily from the scientific advances of the time. As author E.J. Clery explains, “Frankenstein was written at a time of rapid scientific progress … when electricity, galvanism, and chemistry were seen as powerful forces that could both benefit and destroy humanity.” Victor Frankenstein’s experiments with electricity and chemistry allowed him to bring his monster to life, but they also unleashed a horrific force upon the world.

At the same time, Shelley used the genre of science fiction to explore ethical questions about the consequences of scientific progress. In her novel, Shelley asks readers to consider the moral implications of playing God: “What responsibility does the creator have for his creation?” Through Frankenstein, she invites us to think deeply about the power of science, nature vs. technology, and our own ethical responsibilities.

Exploring Mary Shelley’s Influences on Frankenstein

Shelley’s personal life played a major role in shaping the themes of her novel. Born in 1797, she was raised by two prominent thinkers of the era — her father, William Godwin, and her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft. Both of them had explored ideas about morality, politics, and science in their own work, and Shelley was exposed to these conversations from an early age.

In addition, Shelley had access to many of the scientific breakthroughs of the day. Her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, was a poet and philosopher who wrote extensively about science and its implications. He even wrote a poem called “The Daemon of the World,” which contains some of the same themes as Mary Shelley’s novel.

Moreover, Shelley was familiar with several other works of literature that would shape her own novel. For example, she was an avid reader of John Milton’s Paradise Lost, which tells the story of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. This epic poem provides a backdrop for the themes of morality and responsibility that Shelley explores in Frankenstein.

Examining the Impact of Frankenstein on Later Science Fiction

Since its publication, Frankenstein has had a lasting impact on the genre of science fiction. Shelley’s novel introduced many of the genre’s common tropes, such as mad scientists and man-made monsters. These tropes are still used in modern science fiction, from movies like Jurassic Park to novels like The Island of Dr. Moreau.

More importantly, Shelley’s novel set the stage for future authors to explore the ethical implications of science. Her exploration of the power of science and its potential dangers paved the way for authors like H.G. Wells and Isaac Asimov to write stories that challenge our understanding of morality and technology.

Comparing Frankenstein to Other Early Works of Science Fiction

Although Frankenstein is often considered the first science fiction novel, there were a few other works published around the same time that explored similar themes. For example, the 1818 novel The Last Man by Mary Shelley’s husband Percy Bysshe Shelley tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world caused by a virus. Similarly, Edgar Allan Poe’s 1838 short story “Mellonta Tauta” takes place in a future world where humans have mastered time travel.

Despite these similarities, there are some key differences between Frankenstein and other early works of science fiction. Most notably, Shelley’s novel deals more explicitly with ethical issues than the other works. While The Last Man and “Mellonta Tauta” focus mainly on the effects of science, Shelley’s novel delves into the moral implications of Victor Frankenstein’s experiments.

Investigating the Themes of Science, Nature, and Ethics in Frankenstein

Throughout the novel, Shelley uses the character of Victor Frankenstein to explore the power and limits of science. On one hand, Frankenstein’s experiments show us the potential of science to create and improve the world. On the other hand, they also demonstrate the dangers of unchecked ambition and hubris.

Shelley also uses the novel to explore the tension between nature and technology. In the novel, Victor Frankenstein’s creature is rejected by society because he is not natural — he is a product of human invention. This theme of nature vs. technology is still relevant today, as we grapple with the implications of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence.

Finally, Shelley’s novel raises questions about moral responsibility and the ethics of scientific progress. Victor Frankenstein’s actions have devastating consequences, and Shelley invites us to consider whether or not he is truly to blame. By exploring these ethical issues, Shelley encourages us to think critically about the implications of our own scientific advancements.

Conclusion

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is an iconic work of science fiction, and it continues to be relevant today. Through her novel, Shelley introduces us to many of the genre’s common tropes and explores the ethical implications of scientific progress. She invites us to consider the power of science, the tension between nature and technology, and our own responsibilities as creators.

As we continue to make scientific advancements, Shelley’s novel challenges us to think deeply about the consequences of our actions. Two centuries later, her message still resonates: science can be a powerful force for good, but it must be tempered with morality and responsibility.