Mathilda is a short yet deeply intense novel written by Mary Shelley between 1819 and 1820, though it remained unpublished until 1959. In this work, Shelley delves into dark psychological territory, exploring themes of solitude, guilt, and forbidden love. The story follows Mathilda, a young woman who loses her mother at birth and grows up in isolation until her father returns to her life. However, their reunion takes a tragic turn when he confesses an incestuous love for her, plunging Mathilda into despair and emotional exile.
Beyond its provocative plot, the novel stands out for its melancholic tone and its deep exploration of the protagonist’s psyche, reflecting Shelley’s personal struggles following the loss of her husband and children. Mathilda moves away from traditional Gothic horror to offer a poignant meditation on human suffering, showcasing Shelley’s literary talent beyond Frankenstein and solidifying her place in the Romantic literary tradition.
Sobre el autor
Mary Shelley was a British writer, widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in Gothic literature and science fiction. Born in London, Shelley is celebrated for her novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), a work that explores themes such as scientific ambition, alienation, and the consequences of unchecked power. Although she wrote other novels and essays throughout her life, Frankenstein became a literary milestone, profoundly influencing popular culture and modern science fiction.
The idea for Frankenstein emerged in 1816, during a stay at Villa Diodati in Switzerland, alongside Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and John Polidori. In a literary challenge to write horror stories, Mary conceived the tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creature, a narrative that blends elements of Romanticism and emerging science fiction. The novel reflects on the power of knowledge and the ethical responsibilities of science.
Mary Shelley's work had a lasting impact on literature and culture. Frankenstein has been interpreted as a reflection on the dangers of unchecked progress and the alienation of individuals in modern society. Its influence extends from literature to film, with countless adaptations and reinterpretations.
Shelley masterfully combined Romantic sensibility with a critical view of knowledge and its limits. Her narrative style, characterized by introspection and the use of multiple perspectives, contributed to the psychological depth of her characters and the emotional impact of her stories.
Mathilda is a short yet deeply intense novel written by Mary Shelley between 1819 and 1820, though it remained unpublished until 1959. In this work, Shelley delves into dark psychological territory, exploring themes of solitude, guilt, and forbidden love. The story follows Mathilda, a young woman who loses her mother at birth and grows up in isolation until her father returns to her life. However, their reunion takes a tragic turn when he confesses an incestuous love for her, plunging Mathilda into despair and emotional exile.
Beyond its provocative plot, the novel stands out for its melancholic tone and its deep exploration of the protagonist’s psyche, reflecting Shelley’s personal struggles following the loss of her husband and children. Mathilda moves away from traditional Gothic horror to offer a poignant meditation on human suffering, showcasing Shelley’s literary talent beyond Frankenstein and solidifying her place in the Romantic literary tradition.