Mary Shelley, the English novelist best known for her groundbreaking work Frankenstein, holds an important place in feminist history. As the daughter of feminist thinkers William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, Shelley was exposed to progressive ideas from a young age. Frankenstein, often considered one of the earliest examples of science fiction, explores themes of creation, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, all while questioning traditional gender roles. Shelley’s portrayal of the monster, often rejected and misunderstood, can be seen as an allegory for the isolation and oppression of women in her society. Her life and work also challenged the limitations placed on women, especially in the male-dominated literary world of her time, paving the way for future generations of female writers.
