mar 1, 1814 - Shelley meets and runs away with Mary

Description:

Shelley begins spending time at the home of the anarchist political philosopher William Godwin in March 1814. He meets Godwin's 16-year-old daughter Mary. Though Harriet is expecting their second child, he and Mary fall in love.

Shelley and Mary Godwin run away to Europe, Shelley abandoning his wife and child. They are accompanied by Godwin's stepsister Claire Clairmont. They spend six weeks touring the continent.

In September, Percy Shelley returns to London with Claire Clairmont and his pregnant girlfriend Mary Godwin. The couple is forced to live apart while Shelley goes into hiding to escape his creditors. During his time in hiding he writes the poem Alastor.

In November, Shelley's second child (Charles) is born to Harriet Westbrook.

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