Feminism In Frankenstein Essay
1363 Words
6 Pages
Mary Wollstonecraft, a feminist in the 1700s also known as the “mother of feminism”, fought passionately to normalize education for women, as well as advocating for women 's rights. Therefore, it is no wonder that her daughter Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, related the main character’s downfall with the lack of a constant stabilizing feminine influence in the character’s life. The book Frankenstein follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who works unceasingly with the goal of making a being of his own creation. He succeeds in creating this monster, but the creation of this being leads to unexpected and grim consequences for Victor, and those close to him. The lack of a strong and stabilizing female presence in Victor Frankenstein’s
…show more content…
She differs from Elizabeth though, in that her passive presence induces Victors downfall, rather than preventing it. After being accused for the murder of Victor’s brother, Justine eventually confesses to committing the crime. Although she was truly innocent, Justine later explains to Victor that she “confessed, that [she] might obtain absolution” (83). Justine is described as very religious, and she believes that if she confesses to this crime, despite her innocence, she might receive salvation, allowing her to go to Heaven. In confessing, Justine furthers Victor’s misery because now he not only has the death of his brother on his hands, but Justine’s as well. After discovering Justine’s true intentions Victor felt, “the tortures of the accused did not equal [his]; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore [his] bosom, and would not forego their hold” (82). The fact that Justine may receive salvation due to her confession invokes envy within Victor. He knows that he will not achieve salvation, and will carry the guilt of Justine’s death for the rest of his life, thus furthering his insanity. Soon before Justine was condemned to death she learned that Victor, and several others believe in her innocence. Justine proceeded to tell them she “feel[s] the sincerest gratitude towards those who think of [her] with kindness” (84). Justine could have easily asked for their support in proving her innocence, but instead she decides to accept a fate that does not belong to her. Since Victor knows that Justine did not commit William’s murder, it is very likely that he would have helped prove her innocence. If Justine were to reach out to Victor, and ask for his help Victor would experience far less guilt knowing that he made an effort to save her, and his eventual downfall could have been lessened or avoided completely. Justine is an incredibly passive female character in Victor’s life, and
She differs from Elizabeth though, in that her passive presence induces Victors downfall, rather than preventing it. After being accused for the murder of Victor’s brother, Justine eventually confesses to committing the crime. Although she was truly innocent, Justine later explains to Victor that she “confessed, that [she] might obtain absolution” (83). Justine is described as very religious, and she believes that if she confesses to this crime, despite her innocence, she might receive salvation, allowing her to go to Heaven. In confessing, Justine furthers Victor’s misery because now he not only has the death of his brother on his hands, but Justine’s as well. After discovering Justine’s true intentions Victor felt, “the tortures of the accused did not equal [his]; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore [his] bosom, and would not forego their hold” (82). The fact that Justine may receive salvation due to her confession invokes envy within Victor. He knows that he will not achieve salvation, and will carry the guilt of Justine’s death for the rest of his life, thus furthering his insanity. Soon before Justine was condemned to death she learned that Victor, and several others believe in her innocence. Justine proceeded to tell them she “feel[s] the sincerest gratitude towards those who think of [her] with kindness” (84). Justine could have easily asked for their support in proving her innocence, but instead she decides to accept a fate that does not belong to her. Since Victor knows that Justine did not commit William’s murder, it is very likely that he would have helped prove her innocence. If Justine were to reach out to Victor, and ask for his help Victor would experience far less guilt knowing that he made an effort to save her, and his eventual downfall could have been lessened or avoided completely. Justine is an incredibly passive female character in Victor’s life, and