Frankenstein authorship question Frankenstein authorship question The "Frankenstein" authorship question is a debate over the role and the extent of Percy Bysshe Shelley's contributions in the writing of the novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus", published anonymously in London in 1818. Handwriting analyses have shown that some portions of the original manuscript were written in his handwriting. Arguments on the subject range from arguments that he acted strictly as an editor/reviewer (with actual authorship remaining with Mary Shelley) to claims that he was the sole author. The dispute over authorship began as soon as the novel was published anonymously on January 1, 1818
Prometheus Unbound (Shelley) or what mightier Gods / From all-prolific Evil" if he wishes to hear his curse spoken again. Taking her advice, Prometheus calls upon the Phantasm of Jupiter, and Ione and Panthea describe the phantasm's appearance soon after. The phantasm first asks, "Why have the secret / powers of this strange world / Driven me, a frail and empty phantom, hither/ On direst storms?" Prometheus commands the phantasm to recall the curse against Jupiter, and the phantasm obeys: After hearing these words, Prometheus repents and claims, "I wish no living thing to suffer pain." The Earth laments that Prometheus is vanquished