Mary ___, Frankenstein novelist (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: SHELLEY (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Mary ___, Frankenstein novelist" with 7 letters is "SHELLEY".Shelley refers to Mary Shelley, the famous English novelist best known for writing Frankenstein, a groundbreaking work in the science fiction genre. Published in 1818, Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, exploring themes of creation, ethics, and human nature.
Why “Shelley” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) completing “Mary ___, Frankenstein novelist.” The answer, SHELLEY, fits perfectly:
- Frankenstein novelist: Mary Shelley is the full name of the famous English author best known for her 1818 novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, matching the clue’s context exactly.
- Direct match: With seven letters, Shelley fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The surname identifies the novelist, making it the definitive and only possible answer for this clue.
Mary Shelley remains one of the most influential literary figures of the Romantic and Gothic eras:
- Full name: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (1797–1851).
- Literary contribution: She wrote Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus at the age of 18, a work often regarded as an early precursor to modern science fiction.
Origins of Frankenstein:
- Conceived during the summer of 1816 at Lake Geneva, where Mary stayed with poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (her husband), Lord Byron, and John Polidori.
The story was inspired by a challenge from Lord Byron to write ghost stories, leading to Frankenstein’s creation — a blend of Gothic horror and philosophical reflection.
- Themes: The novel explores ambition, creation, morality, and the boundaries of science. It remains a cornerstone of Gothic literature and philosophical fiction.
- Other works: Mary Shelley also authored Valperga, The Last Man, Lodore, and Falkner, along with notable biographical and editorial works about her husband Percy Shelley.
Examples:
- “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a timeless study of creation and consequence.”
- “Shelley’s work questioned the ethical limits of human knowledge.”
- “Frankenstein remains a landmark in English literature.”
In quick crosswords like “Mary ___, Frankenstein novelist (7),” the clue rests on name recognition:
- Definition: The entire clue serves as a general knowledge reference, identifying a famous person by their first name and description.
- Clue type: A factual identification clue — no cryptic wordplay involved.
Solving strategy:
- Recognise “Mary” and “Frankenstein novelist” as strong literary markers.
- Famous associations make Shelley the immediate and only fitting surname for this context.
- Common pattern: Similar literary name clues include “Charles ___, wrote Great Expectations (7)” (Dickens) or “Jane ___, author of Pride and Prejudice (6)” (Austen).
