COVE

While Frankenstein is a story that explains the human condition, it is also a result of Mary Shelley having an interest in science as she was growing up. She read about it and also attended lectures to learn more about science. As an example, she was aware of studies from William Abernathy and William Lawrence that had to do with human life forces and the origins. William Abernathy believed that a spark could bring someone to life, which is where one could see inspiration for Frankenstein as Victor brought a spark to bring his creature to life. Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein is known for being one of the first science-fiction novels. This story deals with the consequences of Victor Frankenstein's actions, after his attempt to create life as a result of his God complex. On top of this, he grew up in Geneva, where science is highly valued. As examples, some science-based organizations reside in Geneva such as the World Meteorological Organization alongside the European Organization for Nuclear Research. This novel overall has a combination of psychological elements such as Frankenstein's God-complex and lack of parenting, and how it affects the creature, but the novel also takes inspiration from Shelley's interest in science as she was growing up. 

Cranston, Maurice, and Guichonnet, Paul. "Geneva." Britannica, 21 April, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Geneva-Switzerland.

Crowson, Katie. "The Science Behind Mary Shelley's Frankenstein." Science Museum, 31 Oct, 2023, https://blog.sciencemuseum.org.uk/the-science-behind-mary-shelleys-frank....

Hodan, George. Laboratory Glassware. Public Domain Pictures, https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=45298&pictu....

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Edited by Michael Bérubé, W. W. Norton, 2021.