Applying Ericksons Theory to Mary Shelley and Her Writing

Sherry Ginn’s â€Å"Science, Science Fiction, or Autobiography?† effectively uses Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and the story of Shelly’s life background, to explain how Marry Shelly’s absence of maternal and parental upbringing caused her to implement the philosophies in the novel Frankenstein. Erikson’s theory says that there are eight human steps one will face from infancy to adult hood. The steps will approach as one confronts a conflict. If he/she can overcome the conflict, it will lead the individual to a higher physic development and become turning points in the individual life. A closer look at the novel coupled with Marry Shelly’s history, leads one to believe that many of the major themes in the novel Frankenstein are adapted from Marys own life. Sherry Ginn, in her critic identifies and refers to many examples to help illustrate her idea and portray the connection between the story of the novel and the li fe of the author. There are many critics on the book Frankenstein that are relatively accessible. However, what separates one critic from another is the author and his/her credibility. By glancing at Sherry Ginn’s life, it is clear that she is a creditable author. Sherry Ginn, received an MA and PhD General-Experimental Psychology. Another one of her major accomplishments is that she completed post-doctoral training at the East Carolina University School of Medicine. During her stay at Carolina University, she took part in women’s study classes.