Mary Shelley significantly impacted literature through her groundbreaking work, Frankenstein, published in 1818. This novel is often credited as one of the first instances of science fiction, exploring themes of creation and responsibility. Shelley challenged the Romantic ideals of her time, presenting complex characters and profound moral questions surrounding humanity and its consequences. Additionally, her life experiences, including the loss of loved ones and the context of the Industrial Revolution, influenced her writing, establishing her as a vital figure in both the literary and feminist traditions.