Theme Of Mortality In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

The novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, explores the topic of mortality as Victor Frankenstein, driven by impulses and ego, strives to find a solution to death and accidentally creates a creature that he is horrified by. Though the main focus of the novel is the male characters, Victor and the creature, a persistent theme in the novel is the conflicting roles of women, Justine, Elizabeth, the female creature and Caroline, who are used and defined by the men in their lives. The women of the novel are consistently used to antagonize other male characters and further the plot, such as Justine’s execution was necessary to antagonize Victor and make the creature appear more monstrous in nature, Caroline’s role as the mother of Victor, …show more content…
Caroline is described as a doting wife and mother to her family, providing constant care for them. Caroline also cares for Elizabeth when she falls ill with scarlet fever, despite the risks to her own wellbeing, and her self-sacrificing nature leads to her becoming sick. Nevertheless, Caroline is relentless in maintaining her nurturing and motherly persona until the moment she dies. Her fearless actions, even in the face of death, portray her as a selfless, caring mother, wife and daughter, which despite its simplicity is important to the development of the novel in shaping Victor’s life. Under her care, Victor flourishes with his studies, has a happy childhood with his friends and her death is the first step that leads Victor to enquire about death and whether it can be overcome. With her role, Mary Shelley is stating that even enacting the stereotypical role, Caroline is essential because she is selfless, nurturing and caring. Caroline doesn’t defy gender expectations or have much time in the novel, however it wasn’t necessary in order for her to play a significant part in the life of her