Frankenstein

In this novel, the human female is often portrayed as passive and compliant. Frankenstein does not appear to be attracted to women and even when he marries Elizabeth he shows little of the passionate interest that he displays towards his science experiments. Although all of the females’ roles are small it may be argued that the novel explores Frankenstein’s fear of sexuality through his attempt to create a World that excludes women. It has been suggested that, through the novel, Shelly is trying to show that, if men continue to exclude women society will be less successful. Thus, despite writing about meek, subservient women Shelly is actually exploring radical, distinctly feminist ideas. Interestingly the only two females who are bestowed with independent behavior are Safie and the unfinished female creature.
When pages 29 and 30 are examined in detail the reader realises that from a young age Frankenstein was obsessed by Elizabeth’s delicate beauty describing her as havin...