Mary Shelley, Mad Science & Tragic Boys: Frankenstein Trivia You Didn’t Know

Jessica Graham
Jul 6
3 min read

How Frankenstein Was Born on a Rainy Night in 1816

Before it was a pop culture icon (and a Halloween costume), Frankenstein was just a ghost story challenge gone wildly right.

🎧 Prefer to listen? You can catch this full episode of our Blog Trivia Podcast — where we spill all the creepy, quirky facts behind Mary Shelley’s iconic novel.

18-Year-Old Mary Shelley Invents Science Fiction

In 1816, Mary Shelley was just 18 when she joined Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and others for a wine- and opium-fueled vacation in Switzerland. Trapped indoors by volcanic winter, they dared each other to write ghost stories. The result? Frankenstein, widely considered the first science fiction novel.

But her own life could have been a gothic novel:

Her mother (Mary Wollstonecraft) died shortly after childbirth.
She eloped with Percy Shelley at 16 (while he was still married).
She lost three children and was surrounded by death and scandal.

🎙 Blog Trivia Podcast Fact: She wrote Frankenstein after visiting a small town in Germany that was only 17 kilometers from Frankenstein Castle, where real-life alchemist Johann Dippel was rumored to experiment with corpses.

Victor Frankenstein, the Monster, and the Real Horror

If you thought Frankenstein was about a green zombie with neck bolts yelling “It’s alive!” — you’re not alone. But Mary Shelley’s book is way deeper (and way sadder).

SPOILER ALERT: Victor Frankenstein Is the Creator, Not the Creature!

One of the most common misunderstandings in literary history: Frankenstein is the name of the scientist, not the monster.

The creature is never given a name — Shelley refers to him as "wretch," "daemon," "fiend," etc.
His physical description includes yellow skin, black lips, and glossy hair, not the green-skinned stereotype.
In many ways, the creature is more emotionally mature than Victor.

🔍 Frankenstein Character Analysis:

Victor Frankenstein is the real tragic figure. Arrogant, guilt-ridden, and unable to face consequences.
The creature starts out innocent — but after repeated rejection, turns violent in desperation.

Two Versions, Two Monsters

Mary Shelley revised the novel in 1831. Major changes:

Elizabeth changes from Victor’s cousin to his adopted sister.
The monster becomes more sympathetic — closer to a tragic hero than a horror villain.

📚 Frankenstein trivia for book clubs:

The original 1818 edition was published anonymously — many assumed Percy Shelley wrote it.
The manuscript, covered in Percy’s edits, still exists at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
Frankenstein has never been out of print in over 200 years.

FAQ

Who is the real monster in Frankenstein — Victor or the creature? Many readers argue Victor is the true monster, due to his abandonment, secrecy, and moral cowardice. The creature, in contrast, seeks love and understanding but is driven to violence by rejection.

Why is Frankenstein considered the first science fiction novel? Shelley’s story explores the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, artificial life, and ethical dilemmas — all themes central to modern sci-fi.

What are some interesting facts about Frankenstein? Mary Shelley wrote it at 18, near Frankenstein Castle. It was inspired by experiments with electricity (galvanism) and published anonymously. It's been adapted into 60+ films and was the first horror figure to be widely merchandised.

Conclusion

Whether you're tuning into our blog trivia podcast or reading the book for the first time, Frankenstein still hits hard two centuries later. It's gothic, tragic, and eerily relevant in a world obsessed with AI, identity, and innovation.

🎧 Want the full story? Listen to our podcast episode for more Frankenstein trivia for book clubs, historical chaos, and unexpected facts about Mary Shelley’s misunderstood monster.

💡 Final thought: Who’s the real monster — the creature, or the man who made him?

Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow our podcast for more literary deep dives!