Mathilda

Name: Mathilda
Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

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British Literature Novels

About This Book

A young woman facing death composes a full confession for a friend, recounting her father’s illicit attachment, his suicide, and her consequent withdrawal from society to a lonely heath. Earlier drafts framed the tale as an allegorical vision in the Elysian fields, but the final version abandons that device for a direct, epistolary account centered on memory and inward suffering. The narrative blends psychological introspection and autobiographical echoes while examining familial violation, isolation, grief, and the burden of unspoken shame.

About the Author

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797-1851) was an English novelist, best known for her groundbreaking work, "Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus," which is often regarded as one of the first science fiction novels. The daughter of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and political philosopher William Godwin, Shelley was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of her time. Her writing often explored themes of creation, responsibility, and the human condition. In addition to "Frankenstein," she authored several other notable works, including "Falkner" and "Lodore." Shelley's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on literature and continue to inspire discussions on ethics and the nature of humanity.