The Love Affair of Mary and Percy Shelley

Background and Context

• Mary Shelley, born Mary Goodwin, was the daughter of a noted writer and philosopher and a feminist mother.
• Mary's mother died shortly after her birth, and she was raised by her father and later, an overbearing stepmother.

Mary and Percy Shelley's Relationship

• Percy Shelley, a young poet, became an admirer of Mary's father.
• Despite being married with children, Percy found a soulmate in Mary.
• They decided to flee to France with Mary's stepsister, Claire Claremont.

Life in France

• The trio spent their time in France reading, writing, and traveling.
• Their idealistic lifestyle came to an end due to financial constraints, forcing a return to England.

Personal Challenges

• Mary suffered the loss of an infant; Percy was shunned by his family.
• They traveled to Switzerland to spend a summer with Lord Byron and Claire.
• During this period, Mary completed and published "Frankenstein," solidifying her literary career.

Marriage and Challenges

• In England, Percy's wife committed suicide, allowing him to marry Mary.
• Their marriage lacked the passion of their initial affair.
• They settled in Italy but faced challenges, including the death of their children and Percy's infidelity.

Percy's Death and Mary's Later Life

• Percy died by drowning, leaving Mary to care for their surviving child.
• Mary spent her later years preserving Percy's poems and reflecting on their time together.

Reflections

• The story prompts considerations on whether their love affair was a mistake.