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Anna Gassett

World Lit Since 1600

Benjamin Reed

2 September

Women in Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the female characters play important roles regarding the

emotional and psychological development of the male characters. The women are confined to the

objectification of stereotypical gender roles. It is apparent that Shelley’s own life struggles are

filtered throughout the novel. She was raised by her father after her mother passed from

childbirth complications when Mary was only ten days old. Mary’s real-life circumstances

parallel the traits and expectations of the women in her novel. All of the female characters in

Frankenstein regardless of their class and place in society, are presented as passive and

submissive to the men they serve. They even seem to exist to be rescued.

The young women whom the monster observes, Agatha, is a perfect example of a selfless

woman. Despite her own depression and destitution, she is a wonderful caregiver for her brother

and father. Agatha’s exhibition of virtue and delicacy teaches the monster his first lessons on

love and humanity. The monster is especially absorbed in the way Agatha interacts with her

blind father. “Agatha listened with respect, her eyes sometimes filled with tears, which she

endeavored to wipe away unperceived” (p. 89). Agatha is perceived as a gentle, passive woman

with a dedicated life of service.

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Another female character constantly praised for her submissiveness is Justine,

Frankenstein’s servant. Justine is the prime example of how the novel misrepresents women.

When she is sent to court and framed for the murder of William Frankenstein, she takes the

punishment knowing that she is innocent. Justine states, “God knows how entirely I am innocent.

But I do not pretend that my protestations should acquit me; I rest my innocence on a plain and

simple explanation of the facts which have been adduced against me” (62). In the endeavor to

not cause a ruckus, Justine submits herself to this horrific accusation.

The overall representation that women have in Shelley’s novel is mostly a utilitarian role.

Each woman is used merely as a channel for a man to take action upon. The female characters

are abused, materialized, and damaged all for the sake of men. They are praised for their beauty

even though each woman possesses high character. The expectations for women during this time

period were to be quiet, obedient, and of service to others. Other than external beauty, those were

the qualities that were deemed honorable. Today, this type of behavior is not expected, but rather

women are strong, independent individuals. We are not reliant on men to be successful. Since the

18th century and Shelley’s existence, the typical roles of females have evolved drastically.

Women are now liberated, supported, and are highly capable of smashing all obstacles they faced

in their past.