Riley Dupert Mrs. Peleshi English V 03/07/23 Frankenstein Topic 4 A Lack of Feminism in Frankenstein Frankenstein lacks feminism and female power entirely. Most of the women in the story do not further women’s rights but instead diminish them. Though the story has hardly any female characters, only one stands out. The women in Frankenstein are submissive and adhere to the rule of men over women at that time. Safie, unlike the other women, does not adhere to the rule of men but instead goes against it. First, Elizabeth Frankenstein portrays the classic character archetype of a caregiver. She is a stay-at-home mother who takes care of her adopted mother’s children after she passes. She never leaves her home, never gets an education, and barely …show more content…
Justine fits the character archetype of the innocent. Throughout the story, she is always trying to do what is good or what is right even when people are not good to her. The quote, “This girl had always been the favorite of her father, but through a strange perversity, her mother could not endure her, and after the death of M. Moritz, treated her very ill (Shelly 49),” talks about the upbringing of Justine and how she was unfairly treated by her mother. Of course, being the innocent Justine stayed kind even after her mother neglected her. Obviously, this is not how the situation should have gone. Justine never stood up for herself or her feelings. Instead, she became a servant of the Frankenstein household. It should be noted that when her mother wanted her back she simply obeyed although she wanted to stay with the Frankensteins. The way Justine acts ultimately leads to her death. Her lack of speaking up sends her to her last moment of living. After being framed Justine does not speak up for herself. In fact, she falsely admits to the horrifying murder after being pressed to do so by her lawyer, a man. Instead of fighting for her life she simply accepts death. Furthermore, the trial is corrupt as Justine didn’t get time to appeal or say goodbye to loved ones. The court kills her the day after she admits to being guilty. Unfortunately, Justine does not further the reach of women’s rights in