Mary Shelley initially published the novel "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" anonymously in 1818 for several reasons:
Societal Expectations: During the early 19th century, it was not common for women to be recognized as serious authors, especially in the genre of science fiction or Gothic horror. Mary Shelley wanted her work to be judged on its merits rather than being dismissed or overshadowed due to her gender.
Reputation of Her Family: Mary Shelley came from a prominent literary family. Her father was the political philosopher William Godwin, and her mother was the feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft. However, both of her parents had controversial reputations. William Godwin was often associated with radical political ideas, and Mary Wollstonecraft's writings on feminism were considered radical at the time. Mary Shelley may have wanted to distance herself from any preconceived notions associated with her family's reputation.
Challenge to Literary Conventions: "Frankenstein" was a groundbreaking novel that challenged literary conventions of the time. Publishing it anonymously allowed Mary Shelley to present her work without being constrained by expectations or potential criticism related to her identity as a young female author.
Collaborative Context: Mary Shelley composed "Frankenstein" during a collaborative writing contest with her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron at Lake Geneva. All three writers were working on their respective works during that period. By publishing anonymously, Mary Shelley could maintain the creative mystery around the novel's authorship, which might have been seen as part of the literary game they were playing.