Feminism In Frankenstein
When reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, one cannot help but notice that the women characters seem to have little substance compared to the male characters. This may have been caused by the time period in which she wrote: one in which females was considered to be inferior to males. There are many factors in this novel which contribute to the portrayal of feminism. The three points which contribute greatly are, the female characters are there only to reflect the male characters, women are seen as possessions for men to protect, and finally women in the novel are portrayed as stereotypical women in that time period. Mary Shelley’s novel portrays feminist qualities, and is a feminist novel. Firstly, the female characters in the novel are there only to reflect the male characters. To start, in the novel itself, no women speak directly. The book has three basic narrators: Robert Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and Frankenstein's monster. The female characters are very weak in this novel, especially Elizabeth, Victor's cousin/fiancé. She is portrayed as the perfect woman, especially after Victor's mother, Caroline dies. She takes the place of the mother figure in the household. Secondly, just like all the female characters in the story . . .
Victor's character is described in detail, as is that of the monster, and Henry Clerval. Secondly, Elizabeth is given away to Victor to be married. This is said when his mother gives Elizabeth to him as a gift. He says that he “interpreted her words literally, and looked upon Elizabeth as mine” (21). Therefore, Mary Shelley’s novel portrays feminist qualities, and is a feminist novel. He fell in love with a young girl named Caroline, who was very poor. Lastly, the women in the novel are portrayed as stereotypical women in that time period. She marries him because she feels that she is secure financially, or has a sense or security. Alphonse Frankenstein, Victor’s father, was a very wealthy man. The three points which contribute greatly are, the female characters are there only to reflect the male characters, women are seen as possessions for men to protect, and finally women in the novel are portrayed as stereotypical women in that time period. She portrays her kindness in a letter that Victor receives, she says “yet how often I have regretted not being able to perform it myself!” (49). Women are expected to stay at home, Victor states, "My Elizabeth to renew her entreaties that I would write often," (30). This quote shows that Elizabeth is expected to stay at home. The monster is upset with Victor, so instead of hurting him, he kills his wife Elizabeth.
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