"Frankenstein" the Feminist?

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes Mary Shelly's depiction of the female characters in her novel "Frankenstein." The writer contends that the majority of the women in Shelly's novel can be summed up in one word, passive. The primary female character, Elizabeth, functions through most of the tale as a mere companion to Frankenstein. While most of the novel proves that Shelley has written a somewhat sexist work of writing, one lone female character, Safie, described as a diamond in the rough, emerges. Safie is an obscure figure who only warrants a few pages' mention within the whole long narration, but these references proves to be a strong and powerful representation of the author's feminine spirit.

From the Paper:

"But let us not condemn Mary Shelley as a sexist writer just yet. Within the sea of passivity and helplessness is one more female. She is an obscure figure who only warrants a few pages' mention within the whole long narration, but these little references proves to be a 'diamond in the rough-a stronger and more powerful representation of the feminine spirit than some books can provide in three hundred pages. When the creature begins to tell Victor of his adventures, he speaks fondly of a peasant family whose house he secretly took refuge in. In particular, he wistfully recounts the tale of a young woman who came to stay with the family, Safie. He was struck by her beauty and intrigued by her dark veil, which did not prevent her from lighting up a room when she entered it. Soon, the creature began to admire the immigrant's determination to learn the language of the land and face any of the obstacles which came her way. Likewise, he became inspired to educate himself."

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