Women in Frankenstein Essay Example for Free

Wowork force in Frankenstein EssayIn her fabrication Frankenstein, Mary Shelley delineates each(prenominal) of her pi dormantate characters from both positive and negative perspectives. Writing the novel in the previous(predicate) 19th century, Shelley addressed the common stereotypical view of women as inferior to men that society of the prison term held. Dominated by male narrators, the females perspective is ignored in the novel. By excluding the females perspective of Frankenstein, Shelley reinforces in the reader the message that society of the period attributed very little to women. In addition to that, the square ideas that women should be dependent on males, to be taken care of and having little emf to achieve anything independently, resonates in several of her characters. Resonating with other characters, the readers are able to see that women are weak- brained, vague characters who become easily influenced. This trend seat be seen through and throughout Frank enstein with characters such as Caroline Beaufort, Elizabeth Lavenza, and Justine Moritz, who all played less substantial roles compared to the males in the story.Shelley portrays the persistent feminine strength in her female characters through the small triumphs of Caroline Beaufort, Elizabeth Lavenza and Justine Moritz, as yet Shelley acknowledges how weak minded and dependent they become in the face of ill luck and their lack of control over certain situations. Shelley is able to show that Caroline Beaufort is able to sustain herself financially, however Shelley brings the reader to the acetous reality that she must sooner or later be dependent on a man. Shelley states, there was no other prospect of support.But Caroline Beaufort possessed a mind of an uncommon mold, and her courage rose to support her in her adversity. (p. 28). When Carolines father was on the bank of death, she contained herself emotionally and made ends meet in her household financially. However, Caroli nes momentum died out when the harsh reality became that she couldnt support herself because of her grieving emotional state. Shelly continues, This last blow came over her, and she knelt by Beauforts coffin weeping bitterly, when my father entered the chamber.He came like a nurtureing spirit to the suffering girl, who commit herself to his care and after the interment of his friend, he conducted her to Geneva, and placed her under the protection of a relation. Two years after this event Caroline became his wife. (p. 28). Carolines independency and self sufficiency was a failure since she was rescued from her troubles by Alphonse Frankenstein. Shelleys bigger message to the readers is that women need to be rescued by men because they are incapable of maintaining themselves and need to be dependent on someone else.Shelley is able to incorporate her time periods stereotypical belief of women organism possessions of men that need to be cared for in her archetype of Caroline Beauf ort and Alphonse Frankenstein. Elizabeth Lavenzas celestial beauty and enticing charm is what sets her apart from other women, however she is met by her death when she was unaware of Frankensteins mischievous secret. Elizabeth came into the Frankenstein household fully well aware of her expectations of fulfilling the position of headmaster Frankensteins wife. original states, No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me- more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only. (p. 31). Victor expresses that his appreciation of Elizabeth is beyond what words can express, however it was his fault that Elizabeth met her untimely death. Victors creation took out his vengeance on poor Elizabeth, who was completely unaware of the knowledge that was being withheld from her. If Elizabeth had taken more of a firm initiative into Victors life outside of their relationship, there would not have been any discrepancies between the two.Victor swore to protect Elizabeth, ironically he was the cause of her death because he withheld so much from her. The lack of their bond and arrest contributed to this miscommunication that allowed for the monster to kill Elizabeth. Shelley utilizes this instance to show the readers how the fault of Victor Frankenstein directly hurts Elizabeth Lavenza, which cost Elizabeth, her life. Justine Moritz remained strong in the arms of controversy, but due to her weak-minded mentality she was thrusted into her own downfall.Moritz remained her firm stance on her innocence and she was firm on her beliefs. Her determination and persistence prompted her to gather witnesses in her defense to prove her innocence. She states, I beg leave to have a few witnesses examined concerning my character, and if their testimony shall not overweigh my supposed guilt, I must be condemned although I would pledge my salvation on my innocence. (p. 79). Being the strong and independent minded thinker that Moritz was, she was hoaxed into giving a false guilty plead.Moritz was forced to give a plead when the judicial authorities threatened her salvation, and being belittled forced her to give that statement. Victor stated, The person to whom I addressed myself added that Justine had already confessed her guilt. (p. 81). Victor had the prospect to save the womans life, however it was his hesitation and her weak will that allowed her to succumb to death. Shelley was able to portray a spectrum of both positive and negative perspectives of women, however she is able to show that they are weak infantile beings because none of the women survive.The bigger message that Shelley is trying to send is that women lack the superior characteristics that allow men to be independent, self sufficient and non-dependent beings. Shelleys significance of eliminating all her female characters surmounted to the feeling that society still wasnt ready to allow women to reach their full potentials beside their indispensable cha racteristics. Being overshadowed by the societys male dominated characteristic, women are set to the side to be onlookers when they should actually be the forerunners in this day and age.