Essay on The Role of Female Characters in Frankenstein

Can you imagine Mary Wollstonecraft Shelleys Frankenstein, the great work of literature, without, for example, such female characters as Mrs. Margaret Saville, Elizabeth Lavenza, and Justine Moritz? In this case the novel will have no meaning. All the women help to develop the plot, and without them Frankenstein will lose its spirit. Although these heroines have a lot in common in their characters: they are all strong-willed, kind, careful, and selfless, at the same time, each of them is unique, and each plays her own role in the novel. Mrs. Margaret Saville is the woman to whom the narrator tells the story. Elizabeth Lavenza is the beloved of Victor Frankenstein. Justine Moritz is the heroine who is accused by mistake of murdering†¦show more content†¦She is a thread which connects him with civilization, and life. The sickening failings of her heart-felt expectations [in the case if he will die] are, in prospect, more terrible to [her brother] than [his] own death (1027). She is an invisible, but necessary heroine for the plots development. The correspondence between Robert Walton and his sister, which is one of the artistic means of expressiveness, awakens the readers interest in the narration. So, the image of Mrs. Margaret Saville is as important as the image of the narrator. Elizabeth Lavenza is another important character of the novel. We know the story of her life from the beginning to the end, and can notice that she changes during the narration. In the beginning, the only daughter of the deceased sister of Victor Frankensteins father, she [is] docile and good tempered, yet gay and playful as a summer insect (923). She is yet a child, she does not realize the complexity of life, and does not know what suffering is. The character of Elizabeth becomes apparent when the mother of Frankenstein has died. Then she [is] continually endeavoring to contribute to the happiness of others, entirely forgetful of herself (927). When Frankenstein returns to Geneva after the death of Henry Clerval, he sees a new change in Elizabeth. She [is] thinner, and [has lost] much of that heavenly vivacity that [has]Show MoreRelatedFrankenstein Essay1374 Words   |  6 PagesShelley’s Presentation of Women in Frankenstein with that of Brave New World Throughout the novel, Frankenstein, a feminist theme subtly pervades the novel, and is crucial to the characters of the story, the plot line and the setting of the novel. The reasons for the creation of the monster lie within Frankenstein s own familial relationships, especially with the grief he experienced at the loss of his mother. Frankenstein is riddled with passive female characters who suffer throughout the novelRead MoreFrankenstein and Araby Essay1469 Words   |  6 PagesThe delineation of female characters in â€Å"Frankenstein† and â€Å"Araby† is in a very passive manner. 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