Introduction: Frankenstein consists of various literary devices and depicts different qualities and social perspectives. The story intensely revolves around various individual aspects of Mary Shelley's life. By analyzing the novel through the lens of a female activist, it is intriguing to analyze how this perspective identifies with Mary Shelley's life and similarly influences and relates to the characters in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Background: Frankenstein was influenced by a variety of texts. Both of his parents were writers, meaning that literature was heavily involved in his childhood and daily life. Although her mother died when she was 10 days old, as stated in Was Mary Shelley a Feminist, "Her mother was none other than Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneer of feminist thought in an era when women were considered, at best, property". This may have been the basis of Mary Shelley's feminism and most likely led to the development of Mary Shelley's views. Thesis Statement: However, it is interesting to see how downplayed the female characters are in Frankenstein. Female roles are mostly insignificant in the novel. That said, it is very contradictory that Mary Shelley was born into a feminist family, but she doesn't really show that in Frankenstein. Reading the novel through a feminist lens, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a predominantly male literary piece that incorporates subordinate women. characters who shape the novel that leads to feminism. These characters range from Victor's meek amorous enthusiasm, Elizabeth, to the strong-willed Safie, to Justine's unjustifiable death, to the close creation of the Monster's companion. Through her male portrayal, Shelley outlines how these women are thought of and treated by the male characters, while also purposefully placing them in circumstances that inconspicuously outline her conclusion regarding women's activist belief systems. Theme Sentence: Elizabeth is an example of a literary device that turns her into a metaphor. Throughout the novel, there are many instances where Frankenstein compares her to animals by stating, “she was docile and good-natured, but at the same time as cheerful and playful as a summer insect… I loved taking care of her, as I should have done with my favorite animal." ..." Comment: This shows that Elizabeth's character shows a perspective that all women of that era represent how they are treated and seen by men and the rest of society, therefore their character's vital role as women is to be docile, submissive and obedient. sentence: Also, Justine Moritz lives with the Frankenstein family as a maid after her mother's death. She is a victim in a patriarchal, male-dominated world. Evidence and Citations: After William is killed, the creature places a picture of Caroline, William's mother, which William carried in Justine's pocket and she is accused of the murder. He later mistakenly confesses to the crime out of fear and fear of going to Hell. Comment: Victor did not believe she killed William saying: “Justine Moritz! Poor, poor girl, is she the accused? But it is unfairly; everyone knows it; surely no one believes this, Ernest?". Keep in mind: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Even after this she is still guilty of the murder and is executed. This reveals that Justine is a victim because even though she didn't actually kill William, she was.