This short story tells the tale of a Polish man who intervenes in a fight between Marietta, a defenceless Italian girl, and Giorgio, a young army officer. His actions set in motion a chain of events that will change all their lives forever. 'The Pole' was written in collaboration with Claire Clairmont and published in 1832. Mary Shelley wrote several successful books but is best known for her highly acclaimed novel 'Frankenstein' (1818).