47 pages • 1 hour read
Mary ShelleyThe Last Man
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1826A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is set in a dystopian future at the end of the 21st century, following Lionel Verney and his friends as they navigate political turmoil and a devastating plague, ultimately becoming the last known survivors. The book addresses themes of equality, humanity, and isolation, and explores what becomes of idealism in the face of a collapsing world. The text features discussions of death by suicide, racism, xenophobia, sexism, sexual assault, and mass death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Last Man by Mary Shelley is lauded for its imaginative dystopian vision and rich prose. Critics appreciate its emotional depth and exploration of themes like isolation and humanity's fragility. However, some find its pacing slow and characters unrelatable. Despite mixed reviews, it remains an intriguing study in speculative fiction and early science fiction.
Who Should Read The Last Man?
A reader who would enjoy The Last Man by Mary Shelley is typically intrigued by dystopian themes, Romantic literature, and complex character dynamics. Fans of Shelley's Frankenstein, H.G. Wells's The Time Machine, and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will likely find this novel captivating for its exploration of humanity and desolation.