The Role Of Electricity In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Frankenstein the birth of more than just a monster that is a timeless treasure for always but the foundation of how it was created is the focus. Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein is a direct reflection of Shelley’s desire to create life in dead things. Mary Shelley’s life had many tragic moments that promote a heart to create anew. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley was born August 30, 1797 by her father William Goodwin. Mary’s mother, Mary Wollstonecraft died ten days after giving life to Mary (Wikipedia). Mary Shelley at age 19 married Percy Shelley they left their home in France to travel throughout Europe (Wikipedia). When they returned to England Mary became pregnant with their first child. Unfortunately the child was born premature of two
The book was influenced by scientific feud that ushered in the first battery and our modern understanding of electricity (Brown, Alan S.) The person who made the first battery was Volta. He was one of the few inspirations for Mary’s Frankenstein book. Mary’s idea for Frankenstein being reanimated by electricity was borrowed b the concept that Luigi Galvani called “Animal Electricity”. (Brown, Alan S.) In 1803 Giovanni Aldini, the nephew of Galvani inserted metal rods into the mouth and ear of the recently executed corpse of murderer George Foster. It is noted that the dead jaws quivered and muscles jolted. (Brown, Alan S.) The dead man’s eyes actually opened. When using electricity to bring the dead prisoners corpses came alive. Parts of the hands was raised and clenched, and legs were making movement. (Brown, Alan S.) It was not a shock that many observers felt Aldini was bringing the famous executed murder George Foster back to life. It appears that Mary’s knowledge of using electricity inspired Frankenstein to be created. The science that was exploring the power of electricity and reanimated was the driving force to creating