Mathilda Novel Summary by Mary Shelley - Mary Shelley, the renowned author of the classic novel
"Frankenstein," wrote another compelling work titled
"Mathilda" in 1820. This lesser-known novel follows the tragic story
of a young woman named Mathilda who experiences profound emotional turmoil
throughout her life. Shelley's novel explores themes of love, loss, and
tragedy, providing a fascinating look into the human condition. This article
provides a summary of "Mathilda" by Mary Shelley, including its plot,
characters, and themes.
Mathilda Novel Summary
"Mathilda" is a novel written by Mary Shelley, the
author of the famous novel "Frankenstein". It is a Gothic novel that
was written in 1819 but was not published until 1959. The novel revolves around
the life of a young girl named Mathilda who has lost her mother at a very young
age and is left alone with her father. The story is set in the 18th century and
is a tragic tale of love, guilt, and grief.
Mathilda is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who lives
with her father, Sir Walter. After the death of her mother, Mathilda becomes
her father's sole source of companionship, and they form an unusually close
bond. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when Sir Walter confesses
his incestuous love for Mathilda. Shocked and horrified, Mathilda flees from
her father and takes refuge in a remote cottage in Scotland. Mathilda Novel Summary by Mary Shelley
While in Scotland, Mathilda meets a young man named
Woodville, with whom she falls in love. However, Woodville is engaged to
another woman, and Mathilda's love goes unrequited. Mathilda eventually returns
to England and reunites with her father, who is dying from grief and guilt over
their relationship. Sir Walter confesses his sins to a priest, and Mathilda is
left alone and desolate once again. Mathilda Novel Summary by Mary Shelley
In the final act of the novel, Mathilda takes a boat out to
sea, intending to end her life. However, she is saved by Woodville, who has
followed her from Scotland. They profess their love for each other, but
Mathilda is still tormented by the guilt and shame of her past. In the end,
Mathilda dies in Woodville's arms, finally finding peace in death.
Characters
The novel's main character, Mathilda, is a complex and tragic
figure. She is intelligent, sensitive, and capable of deep love, but she is
also plagued by the trauma of her past. Sir Walter, Mathilda's father, is a
deeply flawed and disturbed man who is unable to control his incestuous
desires. Woodville is a kind and honorable young man who represents a ray of
hope in Mathilda's otherwise bleak life.
Mathilda's Early Life
Mathilda's father is a wealthy man who is deeply affected by
the death of his wife. He becomes distant from Mathilda and spends most of his
time traveling. Mathilda, on the other hand, is left alone to cope with her
grief. She is a sensitive and intelligent girl who loves to read and write.
The Arrival of Woodville
One day, Mathilda's father returns with a young man named
Woodville. Woodville is a poet who is visiting Mathilda's father to seek his
patronage. Mathilda and Woodville fall in love with each other, but they are
hesitant to express their feelings due to the age difference between them.
Mathilda is only 17 years old while Woodville is in his thirties. Mathilda Novel Summary by Mary Shelley
The Tragic Turn of Events
Mathilda's father soon learns about their love for each other
and becomes jealous. He confronts Woodville and accuses him of seducing his
daughter. Woodville denies the accusation and leaves, promising to return for
Mathilda. However, Mathilda's father becomes ill and dies before Woodville
returns. Mathilda is left alone, grieving for both her father and her lover.
Mathilda's Confession
Years later, Mathilda meets Woodville again, and they confess
their love for each other. However, Mathilda reveals a dark secret that has
been haunting her for years. She tells Woodville that she had developed an
unhealthy obsession with her father, which she now recognizes as incestuous
love. She confesses that she had even contemplated suicide at one point.
Woodville is horrified by her confession and leaves her alone once again.
Themes
"Mathilda" explores several themes, including the
damaging effects of incest and the consequences of repressed emotions. The
novel also highlights the importance of companionship and human connection, as
Mathilda's life becomes increasingly isolated and lonely. Additionally,
"Mathilda" examines the role of guilt and shame in human
relationships, as Mathilda and her father are both tormented by the knowledge
of their incestuous love.
Conclusion
In "Mathilda," Mary Shelley weaves a tragic tale of
love and loss, exploring the complexities of human emotion and the consequences
of unchecked desire. The novel's compelling characters and vivid descriptions
make it a captivating read, and its themes are as relevant today as they were
when the book was first published in 1820.
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