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Context :

Mary Shelley - radical feminist, an atheist with a catholic background, an anarchist who believed we could live peacefully without laws.

Historical context:

Mary Shelley didn't put her name on Frankenstein for 13 years. Christianity was widely believed and accepted. Shocking that someone was trying to take on the role of God. A period of change and uncertainty.

The title: Also known as The Modern Prometheus. Prometheus - mythic titan who stole the power of fire from Zeus. Frankenstein has stolen the power of life from God for man and is being punished in kind.

Letters 1-4

-Epistolary novel

-Walton's juxtaposition - "frost and desolation" -> "beauty and delight"

-Reoccurring theme of isolation - aware it's a frozen wasteland but finds its "surpassing in wonders and beauty