Ep 1. Mary Shelley

Prophets of Science Fiction is a fascinating documentary series that explores the lives and works of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. Each episode focuses on a different author, examining their work in the context of their time and how it has influenced and shaped our own. In season 1, episode 1, titled "Mary Shelley", we delve into the life and work of the legendary novelist, best known for her seminal work, Frankenstein.

The episode begins by introducing us to Mary Shelley, a young woman who lives in a world of grief and loss, having been haunted by the death of her mother shortly after her birth. Raised by her father, the renowned philosopher and political writer William Godwin, and his second wife, Mary spends much of her childhood in the company of famous literary figures such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

As Mary grows up, she becomes increasingly interested in poetry and storytelling, and is eventually introduced to the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who becomes her lover and later her husband. The two embark on a whirlwind romance, traveling across Europe and writing together. It is during this time that Mary begins work on her most famous novel, Frankenstein.

The episode explores the genesis of Frankenstein, delving into the themes and motifs that inspired the novel and tracing its evolution from a simple ghost story to a powerful commentary on the dangers of science and technology. We learn about Shelley's deep interest in the natural sciences and her fascination with the emerging field of electricity, which inspired the central plot device of her novel: the creation of a monster from dead body parts brought to life through a jolt of electricity.

The episode also examines the cultural and historical context of Frankenstein, discussing the social and political anxieties of Shelley's time that influenced her work. We learn about the rise of industrialism and the fear of technological progress, as well as the social and economic upheavals that were tearing apart the fabric of British society.

Throughout the episode, we hear from a range of literary experts and biographers who provide insight into Shelley's life and work, as well as from modern science fiction authors who discuss the lasting impact of her legacy. We also see dramatizations of key moments from Shelley's life and works, bringing her story to life in a vivid and engaging way.

In the end, "Mary Shelley" is a thoughtful and nuanced examination of one of the most important figures in science fiction literature. By weaving together history, biography, and cultural analysis, the episode provides a rich and compelling portrait of Shelley's life and times, while also exploring the enduring relevance of her work to our contemporary world.