Subserviant Mistresses

Throughout the passage of Frankenstein a key theme is portrayed that goes against the values of Mary Shelley. A strong proponent of feminist views and ideas, Shelley argues against the whole entity of passive women. Yet she consistently uses these figures in order to illustrate the aggressiveness and abuse they must suffer because of the faults of Victor and his Creation. None of the women in the book are heroines or heavy-duty, independent women. Instead each of them serves a particular purpose whether it be scapegoat or an exemplar of good, feminine virtue and wisdom. One could fairly argue that the female role during the course of the novel is to be obedient, subservient, and even as a sex object. Several connotations in nature construe also emphasize such ideas as illustrated by Victor’s exclamation—“I pursued nature to her hiding places.” The first theme of domestic women is described through Justine’s character. She epitomizes the idea of women as innocent and young, but also subjective to the torments and faults of men. She is a primary subject that also remains calm despite the fact that her death is soon approaching. She has an almost flippant attitude about her unjust death as described clearly—“I do not fear to die that pang is past. God raises my weaknesses, and gives me courage to endure the worst. I leave a sad and bitter world; and if you remember me, and think of me as of one unjustly condemned, I am resigned to the fate awaiting me. Learn from me, dear lady, to submit in [patience] to the will of Heaven (Shelley 59)!” Although this quote could possibly argued to exemplify Justine’s courage and strength, it more strongly renders the idea that Justine does not fight against her fate even if it means being put upon the morrow. Likewise, Elizabeth, although she is the most loved among all of the women Victor appraises in Frankenstein seems to be afraid of assuming an autonomous position. When Elizabeth decides to visit Justine in the jail, she must have Victor come with her because she’s afraid to go by herself—“I will go, although she is guilty; and you, Victor, shall accompany me: I cannot go alone.” Yet on the off chance that she is alone—even for a brief instance—she dies. Doesn’t that seem symbolic? It’s almost as Shelley is arguing that women can’t be alone because they rely upon men to keep them safe and to help them travail against the currents of societal circumstances. Moreover, Victor elucidates clearly that Elizabeth is his throughout the novel—“it was the prospect of the day when, enfranchised from my miserable slavery, I might [claim] Elizabeth, and forget the past in union with her (Shelley 111).” Even Agatha, still young and a child in Frankenstein, represents several characteristic qualities that are typically highlighted as feminine virtues from a young age in a patriarchal society. Filial to the elderly, respectful to the word of her brother, always courteous and polite. As engrained from a young age—she learns not to go against the word of her male superiors, obviously respectful of her place already determined by society.