Portrayal of the Characters in Frankenstein Essay

Portrayal of the Characters in Frankenstein In the novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, the characters have been portrayed effectively. Much of the interactions between characters, and characteristics of the characters have been based on events which have occurred in Shelleys own life, or they represent what she believes is important. For example, Victor is portrayed as having a strong passion for science, and a poor understanding of relationships. Elizabeth is shown as a stereotypical woman of the time, who is also very powerless. The monster is depicted as being both beautiful and ugly, and someone who the reader feels sympathetic towards. Through the portrayal of her characters, Shelley has created a very effective†¦show more content†¦As a child, his only friends are Elizabeth and Clerval, and they are in fact, the only true friends he has throughout his entire life. He isolates himself from society during the time he is creating the monster, claiming that, I must absent myself from all I loved whilst thus employed (page 147). He claims that this is necessary if he is to discover the secret of life. One reason why Victor isolates himself is due to his fear of sexuality. When he creates the monster, he is eliminating the role of women and rejecting normal sexuality. This is also shown when Victors father suggests that he should marry Elizabeth immediately, and he states Alas! To me the idea of an immediate union with my Elizabeth was one of horror and dismay. (page 147). This shows Victors problems with relationships and therefore his isolation from others. Mary Shelley portrays Elizabeth as a perfect stereotypical woman of the time. She is described as a being heaven-sent, and bearing a celestial stamp in all her features (page 34), so we see that she is angelic, beautiful and very feminine. Elizabeth is the backbone of the Frankenstein household, making it a beautiful place with a loving atmosphere: The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine - dedicated lamp in our peaceful home ... She was the living spirit of love to soften and attract. (p 37) Shelley portrays Elizabeth in this way as her own home lifeShow MoreRelatedFrankenstein Essay1374 Words   |  6 PagesShelley’s Presentation of Women in Frankenstein with that of Brave New World Throughout the novel, Frankenstein, a feminist theme subtly pervades the novel, and is crucial to the characters of the story, the plot line and the setting of the novel. The reasons for the creation of the monster lie within Frankenstein s own familial relationships, especially with the grief he experienced at the loss of his mother. 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