Frankenstein and Feminism
Mary Shelley depicts in Frankenstein, an outcast of humanity, the grotesque in appearance, and the evil that seems to dominate society. Ironically though, it is the beautifully described characters in Frankenstein, that are oppressed, outcasted and dominated by society. Shelley's portrayal of the female in Frankenstein reveals the reality of society's control over women by placing on them expectations and limitations. Mary Shelley's behaviors and ideals rebel against the conventional expectations of women. She enjoyed liberty as a woman in a suffocating society of traditional views and practices. In Frankenstein, Shelley illustrates this female oppression, revealing women as captive servants in the household, restricted to domestic roles, perhaps providing the reader with explanation to her obscure lifestyle. (Patterson Marriage..)"The females [in Frankenstein] are securely fixed within the domestic realm, performing their duties as mothers, sisters, wives and daughters without the slightest murmur of discontent or any discussion of the inequalities that shape their lives" (Wittenberg). Elizabeth Lavenza, adopted and raised by the Frankenstein family, is a perfect girl and eventual young lady both in physical appearance and per
Though these women are beautiful, they are seen as nothing more than a pretty face or body and of course, are very useful around the house. Caroline Beaufort, Frankenstein's mother who presented this female gift to her son, knew no better than to call this beautiful girl a "gift. They must not only serve the man, they must also please him with their appearance. Perhaps Shelley tries to reveal the faithful servant hood women possess towards their husbands. Her children were her means of expressing power" (Patterson). She is described as plainly beautiful and innocent. She is described as almost angel-like in appearance. On the evening previous to her being brought to my home, my mother had said playfully, "I have a pretty present for my Victor--tomorrow he shall have it. "But it can easily be argued that this is scarcely a move at all, as in all these roles she remains the embodiment of the idealized female-beautiful, modest, nurturing, gentle, selfless and sexless" (Wittenberg). Even the minor female characters of Frankenstein are described as pleasing to the eye. She cares for her ill father until his death.
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Acceptance Essays
