Women in Frankenstein: A Dichotomy of Strength and Subjugation

In her novel *Frankenstein*, Mary Shelley provides a nuanced exploration of the female characters, presenting a dichotomy of both positive and negative perspectives. Set against the backdrop of the early 19th century, Shelley confronts the prevalent stereotype of women as inferior to men, prevalent in the society of her time. The narrative, dominated by male voices, purposefully sidelines the female perspective, reinforcing the societal notion that women held little significance.

Moreover, Shelley weaves a narrative thread that echoes the prevailing belief that women should be reliant on men, possessing little potential for independent achievements.

This notion is exemplified through characters like Caroline Beaufort, Elizabeth Lavenza, and Justine Moritz, whose roles in the story pale in comparison to their male counterparts.

Caroline Beaufort, portrayed as financially self-sufficient, is emblematic of a fleeting feminine strength. Shelley, however, reveals the fragility of this independence when Caroline's emotional resilience crumbles in the face of adversity. Shelley notes, "*...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.

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28). Despite her initial ability to sustain herself, Caroline succumbs to dependency when rescued by Alphonse Frankenstein after her father's death.

The pattern repeats with Elizabeth Lavenza, whose celestial beauty and charm distinguish her. Yet, her fate takes a tragic turn due to Victor Frankenstein's hidden secrets. Victor, the male protagonist, expresses profound admiration for Elizabeth, declaring her to be more than a sister, yet his actions lead to her untimely demise.

Shelley skillfully illustrates how the lack of communication and transparency in their relationship becomes the catalyst for tragedy.

Justine Moritz, a character portrayed as strong-willed and determined, falls victim to her own weak-mindedness when coerced into a false confession. Despite her firm stance on innocence, she succumbs to societal pressure and Victor's hesitation, ultimately leading to her tragic end. Shelley uses Justine's story to underline the societal perception that women lack the resilience and independence to navigate through adversity.

Shelley's deliberate elimination of her female characters serves a purpose—highlighting the prevailing societal reluctance to acknowledge women's full potential. In a society dominated by male norms, women are relegated to passive roles, unable to showcase their true capabilities. The overarching message is clear: women, overshadowed by male dominance, remain sidelined when they should rightfully be leading the way in the modern era.

As we delve deeper into the portrayal of women in *Frankenstein*, it is crucial to recognize the subtle nuances that Shelley incorporates to challenge and, at times, reinforce societal norms. The novel not only serves as a reflection of its time but also sparks contemplation on the progress—or lack thereof—made in the perception of women's roles.

Examining Caroline Beaufort's trajectory, it becomes evident that Shelley navigates the delicate balance between showcasing a woman's capability for self-sufficiency and succumbing to societal expectations. Caroline, possessing a mind of uncommon mold, initially defies the stereotype of a helpless woman by financially supporting herself after her father's death. However, the narrative takes a poignant turn when Alphonse Frankenstein, a male figure, assumes the role of her savior, emphasizing the prevailing notion that women need rescuing by men.

Elizabeth Lavenza, with her celestial beauty, represents a paradoxical figure. While admired and cherished by Victor, her agency is compromised by the clandestine nature of Victor's experiments. The tragedy unfolds as Elizabeth, unaware of Victor's secrets, becomes a victim of the very person sworn to protect her. Shelley weaves a tale of a woman whose fate is determined by the actions of the men around her, questioning the agency and autonomy afforded to women in a male-dominated society.

Justine Moritz, with her unwavering determination, stands as a symbol of resilience. However, her tragic end exposes the vulnerability of even the strongest female characters in the face of societal expectations. Forced to give a false confession, Justine's fate is sealed by a combination of external pressures and Victor's hesitations. Shelley, through Justine's narrative, challenges the notion of women as inherently weak, shedding light on the external forces that contribute to their perceived vulnerability.

It is crucial to acknowledge Shelley's broader societal commentary, transcending the confines of her narrative. The deliberate elimination of female characters echoes the sentiment that society, even in its literary expressions, was not prepared to allow women to reach their full potential. The erasure of women from the narrative sidelines them as onlookers, reinforcing the societal reluctance to accept women as forerunners.

Shelley's decision to eliminate her female characters serves as a stark reminder of the limitations placed on women in the early 19th century. While the novel presents instances of feminine strength, these moments are overshadowed by the prevailing narrative that women are inherently weak, dependent beings. The message resonates beyond the pages of *Frankenstein*, urging readers to reflect on whether societal norms have evolved sufficiently to recognize and empower women in the contemporary era.