“The Last Man” is a novel written by Mary Shelley that was first published in 1826. It is a post-apocalyptic story that takes place in the 21st century, after a deadly pandemic has wiped out almost the entire human race. The story follows the life of Lionel Verney, the last man on earth, as he struggles to survive in a world without other people.
The novel is widely regarded as an allegory for the dangers of unchecked progress and the importance of community. Shelley was deeply concerned about the direction that society was taking at the time, and “The Last Man” can be seen as a warning against the hubris of humanity. The pandemic that wipes out the human race is caused by a scientific experiment gone wrong, and Shelley seems to be suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge and progress can have disastrous consequences if not tempered by wisdom and compassion.
In the following sections, we will explore the allegorical themes of the novel in more detail, examining how Shelley uses the story of Lionel Verney to comment on the state of society in her time and ours.
Mary Shelley’s Biography
Mary Shelley was an English novelist, short-story writer, and dramatist, best known for her Gothic novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus”. She was born on August 30, 1797, in London, England, to two prominent intellectuals: feminist Mary Wollstonecraft and philosopher William Godwin. Unfortunately, her mother died a few days after her birth, and she was raised by her father and stepmother.
Shelley received no formal education but was educated at home by her father and his friends, who were leading intellectuals of the time. In 1814, at the age of 17, she met the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was already married. They fell in love and eloped to Europe, where they lived together until Percy’s death in 1822.
In addition to “Frankenstein,” Shelley wrote several other novels, including “The Last Man,” “Lodore,” and “Falkner.” She also wrote numerous short stories, essays, and letters. Shelley was a proponent of women’s rights and was politically active, advocating for social reform and the abolition of slavery.
Overview of ‘The Last Man’
‘The Last Man’ is a science fiction novel published in 1826 by Mary Shelley, the author of the famous book ‘Frankenstein.’ The novel is set in the late 21st century, where a pandemic wipes out the majority of humanity, leaving only one man, Lionel Verney, as the last surviving human being. The story follows Lionel’s journey as he navigates through a world that is now devoid of human life.
The novel is often regarded as an allegory for the end of the world and the human condition. Shelley uses the story to explore themes such as isolation, loss, and the inevitability of death. The novel also contains political undertones, as it discusses the downfall of the British monarchy and the rise of a republic.
One of the unique aspects of the novel is its use of the first-person narrative. Lionel Verney, the last man, is also the narrator of the story. This allows the reader to experience the story through his eyes and gain an insight into his thoughts and emotions.
Themes in ‘The Last Man’
In “The Last Man,” Mary Shelley explores various themes that are relevant even today. One of the central themes of the novel is the frailty of human existence. Shelley portrays the human race as vulnerable to natural disasters, diseases, and other calamities. The novel’s post-apocalyptic setting highlights the fragility of human life and how easily everything can be destroyed.
Another theme that runs throughout the novel is the idea of societal collapse. Shelley’s portrayal of a world that has fallen apart due to a pandemic highlights the importance of social cohesion and the dangers of societal breakdown. The novel shows how people can turn on each other in times of crisis, and how the breakdown of social structures can lead to chaos and anarchy.
Shelley also explores the theme of the human condition. The novel’s protagonist, Lionel Verney, grapples with existential questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of human existence. Shelley’s exploration of these themes highlights the importance of introspection and self-reflection in understanding the human condition.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Last Man’
‘The Last Man’ by Mary Shelley is a novel that is rich in allegorical elements. The book is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a plague has wiped out most of humanity. The last man, Lionel Verney, is left to wander the Earth alone, reflecting on the past and contemplating the future.
One of the most prominent allegorical elements in the novel is the portrayal of the plague as a symbol of the destructive nature of humanity. The plague is a metaphor for the damage that humans have inflicted upon the planet through their actions. The novel suggests that humanity’s disregard for the environment and their insatiable desire for power and wealth will ultimately lead to their downfall.
Another allegorical element in the novel is the character of Lionel Verney himself. He represents the everyman, the common person who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances. His journey through the post-apocalyptic world is a metaphor for the human experience, with its ups and downs, its moments of joy and sorrow.
The novel also contains allegorical elements related to politics and power. The portrayal of the British government as corrupt and ineffective is a commentary on the state of politics in Shelley’s time. The novel suggests that those in power are often more concerned with maintaining their position than with serving the people they are meant to represent.
Characters as Allegorical Figures
The characters in “The Last Man” can be interpreted as allegorical figures, representing different aspects of humanity. Lionel Verney, the narrator and protagonist, symbolizes the individual’s struggle for survival and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Adrian, the Earl of Windsor, represents the ideal of a benevolent ruler who cares for his people. He takes in Lionel and Perdita Verney, providing them with shelter and education, and falls in love with the Greek princess Evadne. Adrian’s tragic death highlights the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death.
Perdita Verney, Lionel’s sister, embodies the destructive power of love. She is deeply in love with Lord Raymond, and when he rejects her, she takes her own life. Her death illustrates the dangers of allowing emotions to control one’s actions.
Lord Raymond, Perdita’s lover, represents the corrupting influence of power. He is a ruthless politician who seeks to maintain his position at any cost, even if it means sacrificing the lives of others.
Lady Idris, Lionel’s wife, symbolizes the importance of family and community. She is a strong and supportive partner, who helps Lionel through the difficult times and encourages him to keep fighting.
The Role of Nature and Environment
Mary Shelley’s “The Last Man” is a novel that explores the relationship between human beings and the environment. Throughout the novel, Shelley emphasizes the importance of nature and the environment in sustaining human life.
The novel is set in a future world where human beings have destroyed the environment through their reckless actions. The Last Man, Lionel Verney, is the only survivor of a deadly plague that has wiped out the human race. As he wanders through the desolate landscape, he is forced to confront the consequences of humanity’s actions.
Shelley’s portrayal of the environment in “The Last Man” is both beautiful and haunting. She uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of wonder and awe. At the same time, she highlights the fragility of the environment and the devastating impact of human activity on the planet.
Political Allegory in the Narrative
“The Last Man” by Mary Shelley is a novel that can be read as a political allegory. The story depicts the collapse of society in the face of a deadly pandemic, and the failure of government to respond effectively to the crisis.
Shelley’s portrayal of the government’s response to the pandemic can be seen as a critique of the political establishment. The government is shown to be unprepared for the pandemic, and its response is slow and inadequate. This can be seen as a commentary on the failures of real-life governments to respond effectively to crises such as pandemics.
Furthermore, the collapse of society in the novel can be seen as a warning about the dangers of political instability. The breakdown of social order in the face of the pandemic is depicted as a result of political and social divisions, and the failure of leaders to unite the population in the face of a common threat.
Romanticism and Its Influence
Romanticism was a cultural movement that began in Europe in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. It was characterized by a focus on emotion, individualism, and the celebration of nature. Mary Shelley was a prominent figure of the Romantic movement, and her novel “The Last Man” reflects many of the movement’s themes and ideals.
In “The Last Man,” Shelley uses vivid descriptions of nature to emphasize the beauty and power of the natural world. She also explores the individual’s relationship with society and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems cruel and indifferent. These themes are common in Romantic literature, which often portrayed the individual as a hero fighting against the constraints of society.
Shelley’s novel also reflects the Romantic fascination with the supernatural and the unknown. The apocalyptic setting of “The Last Man” creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the reader into the story. The novel’s exploration of existential themes, such as the meaning of life and the inevitability of death, also reflects the Romantic interest in exploring the human condition.
Interpretations of the Apocalypse
The Last Man by Mary Shelley is an apocalyptic novel that explores the end of the human race. The book’s interpretation of the apocalypse is a central theme that has been analyzed by many scholars.
Firstly, some scholars argue that Shelley’s interpretation of the apocalypse is a warning about the dangers of science and technology. The novel features a plague that spreads across the world, killing most of the human population. This pandemic is seen by some as a metaphor for the dangers of scientific advancement and the consequences of playing with nature.
Secondly, other scholars interpret the apocalypse in The Last Man as a commentary on the human condition. The novel explores the nature of power, civilization, and human nature. The apocalypse in the book is seen as a way to expose the flaws in human society and the fragility of human existence.
Lastly, some scholars see the apocalypse in The Last Man as an allegory for Mary Shelley’s own life. The book was written after the death of Shelley’s husband and many of her close friends. The novel’s themes of loss, grief, and isolation are seen as reflections of Shelley’s own experiences.
Personal Tragedy and Public Calamity
The Last Man by Mary Shelley is a novel that explores the themes of personal tragedy and public calamity. The story revolves around Lionel Verney, the last man alive in a world ravaged by a pandemic. Lionel’s personal tragedy is the loss of his loved ones to the plague, which leaves him feeling alone and hopeless.
The novel also explores the idea of public calamity, as the pandemic devastates the world’s population, leaving only a handful of survivors. Shelley uses this as an allegory for the dangers of unchecked progress and the consequences of ignoring the warnings of science.
Through Lionel’s experiences, Shelley shows how personal tragedy and public calamity are interconnected. Lionel’s grief over the loss of his loved ones is compounded by the knowledge that their deaths were preventable. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring scientific warnings and the importance of taking action to prevent public calamities.
The Last Man and Gender Roles
The Last Man by Mary Shelley explores the theme of gender roles in a society that is on the brink of extinction. The novel portrays a world in which gender roles are strictly defined and women are expected to be submissive and obedient to men. However, the character of Evadne challenges these norms and becomes a symbol of female empowerment.
Evadne is a strong and independent woman who defies the traditional gender roles of her society. She is a skilled warrior and a capable leader who fights alongside the men to save her community from the plague. By doing so, she challenges the notion that women are weak and incapable of contributing to society.
Moreover, the novel also highlights the consequences of strictly defined gender roles. The Last Man portrays a society in which men and women are confined to their respective roles, and there is no room for individuality or creativity. This leads to a society that is stagnant and lacks innovation.
Science, Ethics, and Responsibility
Shelley’s “The Last Man” is a novel that explores the consequences of scientific advancement and the responsibilities that come with it. The novel’s protagonist, Lionel Verney, is a scientist who is tasked with finding a cure for the plague that has wiped out most of humanity. Through Verney’s character, Shelley questions the ethics of scientific advancement and the responsibility that scientists have towards society.
The novel also highlights the importance of responsible decision-making and the consequences of ignoring ethical considerations. Verney’s actions throughout the novel demonstrate the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the impact they have on others. Shelley’s portrayal of Verney’s character serves as a reminder that science should be used for the betterment of society and not for personal gain.
Furthermore, the novel also explores the role of society in holding scientists accountable for their actions. The collapse of society in “The Last Man” is, in part, a result of the failure of individuals to take responsibility for their actions and the lack of accountability for those in positions of power. Shelley’s novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning readers of the dangers of unchecked scientific advancement and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in the pursuit of scientific progress.
Religious Symbolism and Philosophy
“The Last Man” by Mary Shelley is a novel that is rich in religious symbolism and philosophical themes. The novel explores the idea of the apocalypse and the end of the world as we know it, and it does so through the lens of religious allegory.
Shelley uses the character of Lionel Verney to represent the atheist who is struggling to find meaning in a world that has been destroyed by a plague. Lionel’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he comes to realize that there is more to life than just the physical world.
The novel also explores the idea of theodicy, or the question of why a loving God would allow evil to exist in the world. Shelley suggests that the plague is a punishment for humanity’s sins, and that it is up to individuals to find redemption and meaning in the face of adversity.
Legacy and Influence on Literature
Mary Shelley’s “The Last Man” has had a significant impact on literature since its publication in 1826. The novel’s themes of apocalypse, isolation, and the fragility of humanity have inspired numerous works of fiction.
One notable example is Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road,” which explores similar themes and follows a father and son’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world. Another example is Emily St. John Mandel’s “Station Eleven,” which depicts a world ravaged by a pandemic and follows a group of actors and musicians who travel the wasteland performing Shakespeare.
“The Last Man” has also influenced the science fiction genre, particularly in its portrayal of a dystopian future. The novel’s vision of a world decimated by disease has been echoed in works such as Margaret Atwood’s “Oryx and Crake” and Stephen King’s “The Stand.”