Mary Shelley began her first novel in Geneva in 1816, this book, Frankenstein, was
             later published in 1818. The text is an example of Gothic literature, incorporating
             gruesome references, supernatural occurrences and a dark and eerie setting. The text
             also contains characteristics of a science fiction text, this being an imaginative use of
             scientific knowledge. The story is based around a man who usurps the Gods and
             Mother Nature to create and sustain human life, hence the alternate title of the
             Modern Prometheus. The text follows this man, Victor Frankenstein, his life, the
             monster he creates and the consequences of his machinations. It is set in Geneva in
             the 18th century, however the author cleverly blocks the exact years in which the
             action takes place, leaving her free to alter historic details. Many of the themes in
             Shelley's novel may be loosely based on her own personal experiences in life and
             parallels between the central characters and Shelley herself are evident throughout the
             text. These parallels exist mainly to create meaning and promote a sense of realism in
             Throughout Shelley's life there were two men who had a huge influence on
             her being; her father, William Godwin, a famous writer, most known for his political
             and moral ideas; and Percy Bysshe Shelley, a well known Romantic poet with strong
             ties to Godwin. In letters to her friends, Shelley wrote: "Until I met [Percy] Shelley I
             could justly say that he [Godwin] was my God...I remember many childish instances
             of the excess of attachment I bore him."1 However, despite great nurturing of her
             intellect, the emotional side of her upbringing was neglected. The fact that these men
             had such a great impact on Shelley's life makes it quite feasible that they may have
             been reflected in the characters of her novel. Both Percy and Godwin share
             characteristics with the central character to the text, Victor Frank...