How Does Hardy Present Women In Frankenstein

Throughout Frankenstein, Mary Shelley presents a satirical exploration of the nature of women and motherhood in her time. The novel delves into the profound role that mothers and women play in the development of children while also characterizing the women within the story as passive figures. This dual focus not only critiques the societal expectations imposed on women but also emphasizes the essential influence of maternal figures in shaping the ethics and emotions of society. She portrays women as submissive and passive through her use of traditional gender roles, limited agency, and the narrative’s focus on male ambition but also emphasizes the profound role mothers play in maintaining life. Women are frequently pushed to submissive and

At the start of the novel, Victor recalls his childhood and the events that led to the story to come. During the recount, we are introduced to Elizabeth who was presented to him by his mother as a “pretty present” for him and he interpreted himself to therefore be her owner disregarding her autonomy (Shelley 21; ch 1). This sets the tone for the treatment of Elizabeth throughout the novel; she is treated as an extension of Victor’s possessions, an object without autonomy. Preceding her death later in the novel, Elizabeth expresses her concern for Victor’s behavior, beckoning him to come to bed on their wedding night. He refuses and instead searches for the monster as he recalls the monster's words, “I will be with you on your wedding night!” (Shelley 175; ch 22). He attempts to save himself, paying no mind to Elizabeth’s safety, which ultimately leads to her death. Though, even in her passing, she is treated as an object by the monster who left her “lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed” (Shelley 183; ch 23). Her murder serves as a tragic culmination of her passive role as a character throughout