Families in the 19th century mostly lived in a patriarchal society. Growing up during this time, Mary Shelley used this society “ruled or controlled by men” as the basis for the population of her novel Frankenstein. On the first sight, the characters appear to fulfill their gender roles perfectly. Women occupy the domestic sphere, men work outside home. In addition, women are only of marginal importance whereas men appear as the strong protagonists who are able to influence the storyline.
Even if this first overview is correct, Mary Shelley does not maintain this severe separation of sexes and their characteristics but proves that both women and men own some features of the other sex. Therefore, one could state that the women in Frankenstein have an important role as well, as, at second sight, they share a lot of similarities with men and vice versa which contributes to analyze the topic of androgyny.
In my term paper I will therefore concentrate on this androgyny of men and women in Frankenstein. Being androgynous, which can be defined as the state of “having both male and female characteristics” , is an essential element of the novel. Analyzing the male characters one discovers that the male characteristics are important but that it is especially the femaleness which leads to the course of the novel and not typically male behavior. With regard to women, the androgyny shows the beginning of emancipation and hence, women as contemporary heroines, able to escape from a male-dominated society.
Furthermore, it is important to analyze the monster that shows androgynous traits so that it cannot be classified as either male or female. These features show that the monster possesses general human qualities as it shares a lot of similarities with the characters of the novel.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Men’s Androgyny
2.1 Victor Frankenstein
2.2 Henri Clerval
3. Women’s Androgyny
3.1 Elizabeth Lavenza
3.2 Safie
4. The Monster’s Androgyny
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the concept of androgyny in Mary Shelley’s novel "Frankenstein," arguing that the integration of both male and female characteristics is essential to the development of the main characters and the progression of the narrative. It explores how male and female figures, as well as the monster, transcend traditional 19th-century gender roles.
- The manifestation of female traits in male characters like Victor Frankenstein and Henri Clerval.
- The emergence of emancipation and agency in female characters such as Elizabeth Lavenza and Safie.
- The androgynous nature of the monster and its human-like qualities.
- The breakdown of the rigid 19th-century patriarchal gender binary.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Victor Frankenstein
Victor can be stated one of the main characters in Frankenstein. He is the narrator and creates the monster, which then takes revenge for his solitude and life as an outcast. At the beginning, he completely attains male characteristics. Exploring the world as a scientist, studying abroad and behaving self-confidently, Victor is the exact opposite to the women in his surrounding, who spend their time at home. The change happens with the creation. With regard to his character one can affirm that “in creating the monster, Victor projects outward the ‘male’ half of his psyche: he then becomes ‘female’”. Therefore, he shows androgynous traits, which can be proved in several situations.
His manly features contain the fact that he gets the opportunity to study abroad. In patriarchal society only men had the privilege to broaden their minds. For this reason he also travels around Europe and learns several different languages. He also confirms the prejudice that men are more interested in obtaining knowledge than women. While the female characters keep the house, Frankenstein starts early to read difficult non-fictional works, such as “the whole works of [Agrippa] and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus” with “the greatest avidity” and begins his studies. These male advantages finally lead to the creation, as he learned the theory how matter comes alive and puts it into practice.
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: The introduction establishes the patriarchal context of the 19th century and posits that Mary Shelley utilizes androgyny as a crucial element to challenge rigid gender roles within her novel.
2. Men’s Androgyny: This chapter analyzes Victor Frankenstein and Henri Clerval, demonstrating that their shift toward traditionally female behaviors and sensitivities is pivotal to the narrative’s outcome.
3. Women’s Androgyny: This section focuses on Elizabeth Lavenza and Safie, illustrating their capacity for independence and emancipation, which serves as a departure from the passive domestic ideal.
4. The Monster’s Androgyny: This chapter argues that the monster functions as an androgynous being whose shared emotional and linguistic traits with other characters highlight its inherent humanity.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, asserting that the blending of gender traits is functional for the plot, character growth, and the critique of patriarchal limitations.
Keywords
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Androgyny, Gender Roles, Patriarchy, Emancipation, Victor Frankenstein, Henri Clerval, Elizabeth Lavenza, Safie, The Monster, 19th Century Literature, Masculinity, Femininity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper explores the concept of androgyny in Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein," specifically analyzing how characters move beyond traditional gender boundaries.
What are the primary themes explored?
The work covers themes of patriarchal societal structure, gender-role subversion, the intersection of male and female traits, and the quest for emancipation.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to demonstrate how the "androgynous" nature of the characters is not incidental, but a driving force that shapes the plot and the characters' internal development.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author uses literary analysis and textual interpretation to examine character behavior, motivations, and the symbolic use of gendered language within the novel.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body chapters detail the specific androgynous traits found in the male protagonists, the emancipated traits of the female characters, and the complex, non-binary nature of the monster.
Which keywords characterize this analysis?
The study is characterized by terms such as androgyny, Frankenstein, patriarchy, emancipation, and gender identity.
How does the author view Victor Frankenstein’s transformation?
The author interprets Victor’s post-creation behavior, such as his nervousness and "languor," as an adoption of "female" traits that ultimately influence his tragic downfall.
What role does Henri Clerval play regarding androgyny?
Clerval is presented as a foil to Victor, showing more explicit sensitivity, artistic interests, and a nurturing, feminine-coded role that further emphasizes the theme of androgyny.
Why is the monster considered androgynous?
The monster is considered androgynous because it lacks clear markers of gender, exhibits a mix of traditionally male strength and traditionally female emotional depth, and is rejected by its "parent."
What is the significance of the "fallen angel" imagery?
The imagery connects the female characters to the monster; while mothers are viewed as "angelic," the monster views itself as a "fallen angel," bridging the gap between domesticity and despair.
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- Cristina Flores (Autor:in), 2010, Character Analysis: Androgyny in Mary Shelleys "Frankenstein", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/270532
