Christie #2

One of Shelley's more subtle motifs throughout Frankenstein is the stereotype of the passive woman. From Walton's first letter to his sister, there are hints of patronization as he implores her not to fret for his well-being, but rarely inquires after her own. Although evidence of Margaret's strength of character, or lack thereof, is underwhelming, this motif grows more prominent as the layers of stories progress. As Victor recounts his tale, the audience catches a glimpse of Elizabeth, his fianceé, and his feelings towards her. "I looked upon Elizabeth as mine - mine to protect, love and cherish. All praises bestowed on her I received as made to a possession of my own” (21). Elizabeth waits dutifully throughout the novel for Victor, ever the patient, caring, woman, until she dies as a mere pawn in the battle between Frankenstein and his monster. Caroline Beaufort is portrayed as the loving and devoted mother and wife until her death, which arises as she cares for the sickly, orphaned, Elizabeth. Justine Moritz is arguably the most submissive of them all; she is wrongfully accused of William's murder, and yet does not stand up for herself. She tells Elizabeth and Victor that she is innocent, but publicly confesses to the crime. Justine submits herself to the will of God, does not fight nor speak up, but passively accepts her misfortune; "But I have no power of explaining it…I am only left to conjecture concerning the probabilities by which it might have been placed in my pocket” (66). Agatha, as well, is ever the doting daughter, keeping house and listening patiently and lovingly to De Lacey. Safie, while she is a minor character, is significant because she is the only female to show any strength of character. She defies her father's wish that she return to Constantinople and instead pursues what she wants, which is Felix. She also rejects the strict gender roles of Islam in favor of a more egalitarian faith, Christianity. Mary Shelley, a rebel herself and daughter of a feminist, perhaps saw herself in Safie, or chose to include her as evidence to the monster that not all women were entirely submissive. However, even the monster sees women as lesser and desires a female companion to care for him and perform female duties. Victor creates the monster, who then observes the world and learns for himself that it is one of male domination, leading him to also value women as less. Even Safie cannot dispel the persistent stereotype of the submissive woman in Frankenstein.