Literary Analysis Essay on Roles of Women in Frankenstein

Introduction

Mary Shelley expresses the roles of women in her novel, "Frankenstein" through the creation of an annomalous creature in an otherwise halcyon society. The novel explores the life of an unorthodox scientist who created a genetically engineered monster. The story is developed through the use of characters such as Caroline, Justine and Elizabeth who are women related to Frankenstein in one way or the other. Caroline, Justine and Elizabeth are portrayed as possessions by men in the society who control and dictate all their moves. The novel depicts women as creatures who are only admired for their beauty, and they have the sole purpose of pleasing men and taking care of their families.

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Caroline: The depiction of women as dependent and passive

Caroline portrays women as dependent creatures who have to survive on the toil of the males. She decided to marry Alphonse Frankenstein to escape poverty after her father died. Victor describes that his father met his mother, Caroline while she was a young girl that needed protection and care (Shelley, 2009). Caroline's family was poor, and she thus married Victor's father to gain providence of basic needs. Caroline's choice to help needy children further shows her passivity. She always remembered how poor she was before she married Frankenstein. However, she perceived Frankenstein as a mirror that was always watching her actions and thus the acts of helping were not purely out of a good heart. Furthermore, Caroline stated that she felt that Frankenstein was watching her to see if she had the spirit of helping others.

Women as agents of change: Caroline's initiative and submission

The novel portrays women as agents of change who are submissive to their husbands. Caroline decided to change the life of Elizabeth by taking her from the orphanage ad integrating her into her family (Shelley, 2009). She believed that her husband would be able to provide for an additional member in the family. However, despite her desire to change the life of Elizabeth, she had to request permission from her husband. Women thus acknowledge the authority of men in the family and show the initiative to suggest changes.

Male characters and traditional gender stereotypes

The novel presents male characters with similarities to traditional gender stereotypes such as detachment from household matters. The females are left to take care of their homes as the males show single-minded focus towards achieving their missions and goals (Shelley, 2009). For instance, Victor Frankenstein is an epitome of male masculinity. He was focused on his scientific research and neglected all social obligations. The monster further develops the archetype of female inferiority by its fixation on acquiring a female mate and orchestrating the subsequent revenge on Frankenstein. Just as Frankenstein lost control in his science work and neglected his family, the monster spirals out of control amid passions and impulses inflicted to it by Frankenstein. The two characters show males as single-minded and self-absorbed creatures who have more regard to their goals and work than to their female counterparts. Furthermore, the action by Frankenstein to genetically make a creature out of science eliminated the primary biological function of females in a society.

Neglect of domestic duties: Women's sympathy and caring nature

The novel depicts women as sympathetic and caring in a society where the males show neglect of domestic duties. Elizabeth is described as docile and playful in a paradox that underscores her roles as a woman whose primary responsibility is to tend to her family and husband (Shelley, 2009). The caring nature of Elizabeth is further underscored by her nature to contribute to the lives of other people and make them happier. She was affectionate and gentle, the ground qualities of a maternal caregiver. Safie De Lacey shared Elizabeth's altruistic benevolence when she renounced a life of luxury and expensive jewellery to unite with the man she loved. Safie's compassion transcended rank because she used to nurse her attendant "with the utmost affection" (Shelley, 2009). Safie reversed the relationship between her servants and her in actions that further developed the ubiquitous affection among female characters in the novel.

The effect of compassionate female figures on characters' lives

Alongside the hyper-idealized depiction of women, the novel goes further to explore the effect of such compassionate figures. Frankenstein stated that "no creature could have more tender parents that he did" (Shelley, 2009), sentiments that suggest a childhood of attention and parental care. In contrast, the first experience of the monster included poverty and difficulties since Frankenstein could not afford the luxuries of maternal nourishment. The monster cried profusely alluding the lack of a female figure to nurture and care for him. Furthermore, Frankenstein enjoyed the affection of Elizabeth who constantly kept in touch with him and attempted to win him back to society and control his passion with science (Shelley, 2009). The monster lacked such a person, and its cries show the need for female companionship that ameliorates the lives of characters throughout the novel.

Conclusion

The novel depicts the manifest possibilities that can be achieved when humans breach and surpass the limits of natural living. Through the development of characters with gender-based traits, Mary Shelley establishes parity in the roles of men and women in society by delving into specifics of life that each gender universally contributes to family leading to harmonious coexistence. Females are compassionate and caring beings whose sole role in the novel is to take care of their families while the husbands pursue their goals, protect and provide for their families.

References

Shelley, M. W. (2009). Frankenstein, or, The Modern Prometheus, 1818. Engage Books, AD Classic.