In an 1833 story by her, an alchemist’s assistant drinks a potion giving eternal life but ends up seeing all he loves die

The Final Jeopardy category for March 12, 2025, was “Authors’ Other Works.” The clue presented to contestants was:

“In an 1833 story by her, an alchemist’s assistant drinks a potion giving eternal life but ends up seeing all he loves die.”

Who is Mary Shelley?

This clue references Shelley’s short story “The Mortal Immortal,” which was published in 1833 and explores the consequences of immortality through the life of a man who outlives everyone he cares about.

Mary Shelley, best known for Frankenstein, wrote “The Mortal Immortal” as a meditation on the burden of eternal life. The story follows Winzy, a young apprentice to the alchemist Cornelius Agrippa. In a moment of desperation, Winzy drinks a potion he believes will cure him of his sorrows, only to discover it grants him immortality. What begins as a seeming blessing turns into a curse, as he watches his loved ones age and die while he remains unchanged.

This theme of unintended consequences aligns closely with the cautionary narratives found in Frankenstein. Both works examine the limits of human ambition and the unforeseen costs of tampering with nature. “The Mortal Immortal” specifically questions whether immortality is truly desirable, a concept that has persisted in literature and philosophy for centuries.

Shelley’s Fascination with Science and the Supernatural

Mary Shelley was deeply influenced by contemporary scientific developments, particularly in chemistry, alchemy, and galvanism. These interests, which fueled the creation of Frankenstein, are also evident in “The Mortal Immortal.” The story reflects the 19th-century fascination with the possibility of prolonging life, an idea explored by both real-life scientists and writers of speculative fiction.

Additionally, Shelley often infused Gothic elements into her writing. Like many of her works, “The Mortal Immortal” is both a cautionary tale and a deeply emotional narrative. Winzy’s eternal life becomes a source of profound isolation, demonstrating Shelley’s ability to blend science fiction with psychological horror.

The Mortal Immortal in the Context of Shelley’s Career

While Frankenstein remains Mary Shelley’s most celebrated work, she wrote numerous novels, short stories, and essays throughout her career. “The Mortal Immortal” was published in The Keepsake, a popular literary annual of the time, and is considered one of her most enduring short stories. It showcases her skill in exploring moral dilemmas through speculative fiction, a hallmark of her literary legacy.

Shelley’s interest in the consequences of scientific exploration was not limited to Frankenstein or “The Mortal Immortal.” In works like The Last Man, she envisioned a future ravaged by a global plague, reinforcing her preoccupation with humanity’s fragility in the face of forces beyond its control.

A Legacy of Thought-Provoking Literature

Mary Shelley’s influence extends far beyond Frankenstein. Her exploration of immortality, science, and the human condition continues to resonate with modern readers. “The Mortal Immortal” stands as an example of her ability to craft engaging narratives that question the boundaries of life and death.

By highlighting “The Mortal Immortal” in this Final Jeopardy clue, the show acknowledged a lesser-known but significant work by Shelley, reinforcing her reputation as a pioneer of speculative fiction. Her writings remain relevant today, inspiring discussions about scientific ethics, existential dilemmas, and the unintended consequences of human ambition.