The summer of 1816 was a key, pivotal, instrumental event that occurred in Mary Shelley's life. Due to the sudden, catastrophic eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley and their infant daughter traveled to Switzerland to escape the terrible weather they were experiencing in England. They arrived on May 14, 1816. (“Mary Shelley”) Byron arrived in Switzerland on May 25 where he happened upon the infamous Percy Shelley. Shelley and Byron became extremely fast friends and bought two houses on Lake Geneva in order to orchestrate their establishment as close neighbors. They highly regarded and respected one another, additionally enjoying one another's work. They spent the majority of the summer on the water, having in-depth, intellectually stimulating conversations and writing stories–ghost stories in particular. (“Mary Shelley”) It was a peaceful and enjoyable time for the residents. The weather was often rainy so a lot of time was spent indoors. One dark and stormy night Byron proposed that the group of writers come up with and write an original ghost story. At first Mary struggled to come up with an idea until she overheard Percy and Byron talking about corpses and the idea of galvanization or reanimation of dead bodies. (Blakemore) Thus the idea of Frankenstein was born and Mary was only 19 at the time. Tensions grew as the guests were stuck more and more inside. (Blakemore) This gave Mary more time to steal away and write her novel. She took inspiration from the scenes around her and even based the stories setting on her current location. “I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life, and stir with an uneasy, half vital motion. Frightful must it be; for supremely frightful would be the effect of any human endeavour to mock the stupendous mechanism of the Creator of the world.” (“Mary Shelley”) In particular the Château de Chillon, an old fortress, is a great example of the Gothic art form. The Gothic art form was a major aspect of the romantic period and was very distinct. Rumor has it Mary had a nightmare and this also inspired the story of Frankenstein. (Perrottet) Unfortunately life was not pleasant for the guests after the summer full of merriment. Mary was the only successful writer to emerge from this group of intellectuals and gothics. Her husband Percy tragically drowned later on. Byron’s doctor, who was also a guest over the summer, committed suicide. Then Lord Byron’s daughter died at age 5, and Byron himself died in 1824 after catching a fever. (Blakemore) While Mary was content for these short few months, it did not last forever and her luck seemed to run out. However her popularity grew and her novel Frankenstein was extremely successful. The trip to Switzerland created the necessary setting for Mary and her creation of the monster and the lessons it taught. 

Sources:

Blakemore, Erin. “'Frankenstein' Was Born during a Ghastly Vacation 200 Years Ago.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Mar. 2018, https://www.history.com/news/frankenstein-true-story-mary-shelley. 

Perrottet, Tony. “Lake Geneva as Shelley and Byron Knew It.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 27 May 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/travel/lake-geneva-as-byron-and-shell...

“Mary Shelley.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Mar. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Shelley.