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Power Of Women In Mary Shelly's Frankenstein

1009 Words5 Pages

Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein subtly demonstrates a feminist message that critiques society’s masculine dominance over women, yet through a novel that continuously creates insurmountable difficulties for feminine characters. However, Frankenstein shows that even while the women are subjugated under men, they still have power with their power being recognised by masculine forces in attempt to tame or destroy outlets of feminine potential. Without blatantly discussing the power of the female, Frankenstein perceptively establishes the value of women in society as something beyond the depiction in society.
Women are considered objects to be used by men while men has intrinsic value as seen in the use of Victor referring to Elizabeth as “my Elizabeth” where in contrast Henry Clerval is referred to by his proper names. Also, references to women’s physical appearance are ubiquitous throughout the novel from both male and female characters such as Victor’s reunion with Elizabeth noting on her figure and how she had grown “uncommonly lovely”, of Justine during her trail as “exquisitely beautiful”; and …show more content…

The De Lacy family incorporates the equality that could be attained by the sexes, a harmony that the monster wishes to be a part of. This is looked upon by the monster with great wonder and the monster wishes that he could somehow join in this utopian vison. Nevertheless, the monster is never accepted as equal to man as he is trapped by the cruel nature imbued upon him by Frankenstein’s desire and is therefore is unable to act freely. Society oppresses him for his hideous appearance he is unable to achieve his goal likewise, as the monster is constantly battling for equal acceptance as a human, the feminist struggle fights to be equal to men further critiquing

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