The Last Man by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
"The Last Man" is a narrative set in a dystopian future, chronicling the experiences of Lionel Verney, who believes he is the last surviving human on Earth in the year 2100. The story unfolds through a series of recollections discovered in ancient fragments, detailing the catastrophic impact of a plague that decimated humanity. Lionel reflects on his early life as the son of an irresponsible nobleman and his close bond with Adrian, the compassionate son of a king, and his sister Perdita. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and resilience as Lionel navigates his relationships and the challenges posed by societal collapse.
As the plague spreads across continents, the once vibrant world succumbs to despair, leaving only a handful of survivors, including Lionel and his son Evelyn. Their journey takes them through desolate landscapes, including deserted cities in France and Italy, ultimately leading to profound personal tragedies. The story culminates in Lionel's solitary existence, where he documents the downfall of civilization as a testament to humanity's struggle. "The Last Man" serves as a poignant reflection on mortality, companionship, and the enduring spirit of hope amidst devastation, inviting readers to ponder the fragility of human existence.
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The Last Man
First published: 1826
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—future history
Time of work: 2060-2100
Locale: Primarily England; also various countries in Europe
The Plot
The story is discovered, in 1818, in fragments buried in an ancient cave, rumored to be the cave of the Sybils. The writings contain the recollections of a “past” history occurring well into the future. The writings have been left for future generations as a record of the devastating plague of the late twenty-first century. The narrator is Lionel Verney, age thirty-seven, who is, to his knowledge, the last surviving human on Earth. He has left this record in the year 2100, before setting out to sea.
Lionel describes his childhood, as the son of a charming, irresponsible father who was a loved confidante of the English king but resented by the queen. After the king’s death, Lionel Verney and his younger sister Perdita, now orphaned, are forced out of noble circles and plunged into a meager, self-sufficient existence in a small forest cottage near Windsor. Lionel is a rebellious and lawless youth who roams the woods to poach animals for sustenance. He is consumed by bitterness toward the queen. His anger dissipates, however, when he meets the king’s son, Adrian. Lionel, Perdita, and Adrian form a lifelong bond. Adrian, who is wise, poetic, generous, and compassionate, becomes the guiding force in shaping Lionel.
Adrian becomes beloved as an inspiring leader, with Lionel as his devoted supporter. Perdita falls in love with Raymond, a proud, passionate soldier. Lionel loves and marries Idris, Adrian’s sister. The three young men go off to fight in Greece, returning as heroes. Happiness comes to Lionel, Idris, and their small children. Perdita’s marriage to Raymond is turbulent and is all but destroyed by Raymond’s infidelity and Perdita’s pride. Later, when Raymond dies a valorous death, the disconsolate Perdita leaves her small daughter Clara in her brother’s care and throws herself into the sea.
Romantic relationships fade into the background as a fatal plague spreads throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The dreaded plague invades England, ravaging the population. Adrian, committed to his people, leaves the relative safety of Windsor and returns to London to fulfill his solemn pledge as the Protector of the People. His selfless, inspiring presence calms the citizens’ terror. As thousands die daily, he brings survivors back from the depths of fatalism and despair.
After several deadly years, England is left with only a small band of survivors, including Lionel and his son Evelyn (Idris and the other son have succumbed), Clara, the penitent queen, and Adrian. They sail to France, where they find the countryside vacant and Paris nearly deserted. The few survivors are under the spell of a fraudulent religious fanatic, whom Adrian heroically unmasks.
The small group then journeys to Switzerland, and the scenic beauty of the trip consoles them. Soon they reach Italy. Only Adrian, Lionel, small Evelyn, and Clara remain. Here Evelyn dies. The others leave in despair for Greece. During a ferocious storm, their boat capsizes, and only Lionel survives. He wanders sadly through Italy and, after a year encountering only desolation, he completes these memoirs, the “world’s sole monument” of his people. Consumed by “restless despair,” he vows to sail from the empty land out to sea, to face his destiny alone.