On the first few reads, Frankenstein could be read as anti-feminist. The reader can be overcome by a patriarchal nineteenth century where the men get to travel while the women stay at home/ domesticated. The women are seen as weak, sexless, possessable, and passive. Anne K. Mellor’s opens the eyes of many about how feminist Frankenstein really is. Mellor’s first point is that Mary Shelley’s mother was a powerful feminist that inspired her to portray the consequences of a society that values men over women. Mellor argues that the separation of public man and private women is what ultimately leads to Victor’s and his creation’s demise. Victor is unable to love because it is a female/domestic affection, while work is something a man does. Victor puts all his emphasis on his work which causes him to have no affectionate feelings, which then leads to his inability to emphasize with the creature. Justine is also a prime example because although she is innocent she is still executed and Elizabeth’s defense for her is without value. The De Lacey family could be a way of Shelley portraying an alternative social organization, one that could be more favorable towards mutual concern and love. The division of male and female is shown when Victor refuses to make a female counter part for the creature. It could be possible that Victor feared a strong independent female creature more than the two creatures reproducing. Victor could fear that he might create something he nor his first creation can control. Victor could possibly fear female empowerment, he fears a woman who will make her own decisions, a woman who does not have to follow society rules. Finally nature is referred to as a women in the novel. Victor assumes he can manipulate nature. When he does, nature exacts its revenge on him by denying Victor mental and physical health.

 

  • Andres Quezada