After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal – Episode: The Truth About Frankenstein

Hosts: Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Publisher: History Hit

Introduction

In this episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, historians Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney delve into the origins and legacy of the classic Gothic and science fiction novel Frankenstein. Skipping over advertisements and introductory appeals, the hosts immerse listeners directly into the dark and stormy backdrop against which Mary Shelley crafted her iconic masterpiece.

Historical Context: The Year Without a Summer (1815-1818)

Maddy Pelling sets the stage by recounting the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 on the island of Sumbawa. The eruption had far-reaching effects, including:

• Climate Anomalies: The event led to what was known as the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816, characterized by unseasonal chills, crop failures, and snow in July across the northern hemisphere.

  "An unseasonal chill spread over the northern hemisphere in what became known as the year without a summer. Crops failed, snow fell in July. Few, if any, knew its cause." (02:57)

• Social Impact: The aftermath fostered a sense of uncertainty and fear, influencing cultural and intellectual circles, including the famous gathering at Lake Geneva.

Anthony Delaney underscores the tumultuous nature of the period:

"This is not just going to be a discussion about the book Frankenstein. It's going to be about an awful lot more. About the strange and dark world that birthed it..." (02:31)

Mary Shelley’s Background

Maddy introduces Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley), emphasizing her intellectually rich yet tumultuous upbringing:

• Parentage: Daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering advocate for women's rights, and William Godwin, a renowned philosopher and novelist.

  "She didn't know her mother. Her mother died shortly after giving birth to her, but was a towering spectral figure in Mary's life growing up." (13:31)

• Education and Upbringing: Raised in a highly intellectual environment, Mary was exposed to radical ideas and literary influences from an early age.

Anthony reflects on Mary’s lineage and her early writing:

"She writes Frankenstein when she... begins it when she's 19, for goodness sake. You know, this is a girl who has had the benefits of an immense education." (14:55)

The Lake Geneva Gathering: Birth of Frankenstein

Maddy narrates the infamous summer of 1816 at Lord Byron's villa on Lake Geneva, where a group of literary figures including:

• Lord Byron: The charismatic and controversial British Romantic poet.
• Percy Bysshe Shelley: A forward-thinking poet with radical political leanings.
• John Polidori: Byron's personal physician and aspiring writer.
• Mary Shelley: Then Mary Godwin, young and intellectually burgeoning.

Under incessant storms, the group embarked on a challenge to write their own ghost stories, sparking the creation of Frankenstein.

Maddy vividly describes the creative environment:

"Under flickering candlelight and the scratch of her quill, Mary conjured a world where man and monster met in mutual torment, one that frightened even her." (04:00)

Anthony adds personal reflections on the atmosphere and the pressure Mary might have felt:

"She must have thought, I have to impress them to keep Percy interested in me, to keep my place." (24:02)

Mary Shelley’s Literary Genius and Challenges

The hosts discuss the complexities surrounding the creation of Frankenstein:

• Publication Anonymously: Published in 1818 when Mary was 21, Frankenstein initially appeared without her name attached, reflecting societal norms and possible fears of backlash.

  "Mary Shelley publishes this anonymously in 1818... She absolutely benefits from this upbringing." (30:02)

• Themes Explored:

  • Creation and Responsibility: Victor Frankenstein's ambition to play God leads to unintended consequences.
  • Isolation and Alienation: The creature's loneliness highlights the human need for connection and understanding.
  • Scientific Ethics: Reflecting contemporary debates on galvanism and the moral implications of scientific advancements.

Galvanism and Scientific Inspirations

Maddy delves into the scientific backdrop that influenced Mary Shelley's writing:

• Galvanism: The study of muscle contractions induced by electrical currents, popularized by scientists like Luigi Galvani and Giovanni Aldini.

  "When he's electrocuted, he sits bolt upright on the anatomist slab, his eyes open and one of his legs starts moving... people think that he has come back to life." (38:20)

• Cultural Fascination: Public demonstrations of galvanism captured the public imagination, blurring the lines between life and death, and inspiring themes in Frankenstein.

Anthony connects these experiments to artistic portrayals:

"At the center of the image, there is a man who is sitting upright in very zombified pose from a coffin." (37:26)

Frankenstein: Misconceptions and Core Narrative

The hosts clarify common misunderstandings about the novel:

• Victor Frankenstein: The scientist and creator, not the monster itself.

  "Frankenstein is the doctor, not the monster." (30:02)

• The Creature: Often misrepresented as the titular Frankenstein, the true narrative centers on the consequences of unchecked ambition and the denial of responsibility.

Maddy emphasizes the novel's serious tone:

"So Frankenstein is the doctor, not the monster... it's not a cheery novel, it's not light." (34:00)

Myths and Legends Surrounding Mary Shelley

Anthony and Maddy unpack various myths and sensational stories about Mary Shelley:

• Virginity Graveyard Myth: A legend suggests Mary lost her virginity at her mother's grave, symbolizing the intertwining of death and creation in her work. However, both hosts express skepticism about its authenticity.

  "There is no evidence of this, however, certainly not in the letters that we have between Mary and Percy." (43:41)

• Circumstantial Tragedies: The lives of women associated with Mary Shelley, such as Harriet Shelley, highlight the often-overlooked personal tragedies amidst literary greatness.

  "They are often holding the children these men have left behind... they are a bunch of shits, really." (18:02)

Legacy and Continued Relevance of Frankenstein

Maddy and Anthony explore how Frankenstein has transcended its time to remain a cornerstone of Gothic literature and science fiction:

• Enduring Themes: The ethical dilemmas of creation, the quest for knowledge, and the nature of humanity continue to resonate.

  "It's a story that has stayed with us, that has been changed in so many ways." (51:34)

• Cinematic and Literary Adaptations: From stage plays featuring actors like Benedict Cumberbatch to modern TV series like Penny Dreadful, Frankenstein's influence permeates contemporary media.

  "We always see it portrayed as... the most exciting period... it's so often overlooked or prettified." (52:56)

Concluding Thoughts

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the vibrant and chaotic era that birthed Frankenstein, advocating for a deeper appreciation of the complexities behind the Gothic genre:

"This is a darker, more serious, more exciting, more challenging reality..." (12:17)

Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes that delve into related historical contexts, emphasizing the rich tapestry of events that shape literary masterpieces.

Notable Quotes

• Maddy Pelling:

  "Under flickering candlelight and the scratch of her quill, Mary conjured a world where man and monster met in mutual torment, one that frightened even her." (04:00)

• Anthony Delaney:

  "She must have thought, I have to impress them to keep Percy interested in me, to keep my place." (24:02)

• Maddy Pelling:

  "It's a story that has stayed with us, that has been changed in so many ways." (51:34)

For Further Listening:
Explore related episodes such as "Final Days of George III" and upcoming discussions on the Luddites to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the era surrounding Frankenstein.

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