P.B. Shelley And His
Lovrs
By Azizul Hakim
Percy Bysshe Shelley, commonly known as
P.B. Shelley, was an English Romantic poet who lived from 1792 to 1822.
Shelley's love life was marked by intense passion, unconventional
relationships, and scandalous affairs. Here are some key aspects of his love life:
1. Harriet Westbrook: Shelley's first
marriage was to Harriet Westbrook in 1811. They eloped when Harriet was just 16
years old and Shelley was 19. Their marriage was troubled, and they had two
children together. However, Shelley fell in love with another woman, Mary
Godwin (later Mary Shelley), and the couple separated in 1814. Harriet later
committed suicide in 1816.
2. Mary Godwin: Shelley's most
well-known and enduring relationship was with Mary Godwin, the daughter of
political philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft.
Shelley and Mary began their relationship in 1814 while Shelley was still
married to Harriet. After Harriet's death, Shelley and Mary officially married
in 1816.
3. Claire Clairmont: Claire Clairmont
was Mary Shelley's stepsister and became involved with Shelley romantically in
1814. She accompanied Shelley and Mary during their travels in Europe. Although
Shelley and Claire had an affair, their relationship was strained, and
Shelley's attention was primarily focused on Mary.
4. The "Byronic Circle":
Shelley was part of a social circle that included other writers and
intellectuals, known as the "Byronic Circle" due to their admiration
of Lord Byron. Shelley had close relationships with both Byron and his lover,
Teresa "Jane" Clairmont (Claire Clairmont's stepsister). The dynamics
within this circle were complex and contributed to the scandalous reputation
associated with Shelley's love life.
5. Emilia Viviani: During his time in
Italy, Shelley became infatuated with Emilia Viviani, an Italian noblewoman. He
dedicated several of his poems, including "Epipsychidion," to her.
However, it is unclear if their relationship was ever consummated.
