Feminism And Anti-Feminism In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

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A Multifaceted Research Analysis of Feminism and Anti-Feminism in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” A Victorian Era writer named Mary Shelley was ahead of her time in her way of thinking. She had what were considered radical thoughts for women, who she believed were deserving of more rights in their homes and in society. This progressive rationale aided her in her literary works; particularly a novel she wrote called “Frankenstein.” The fundamental understanding of “Frankenstein” comes from understanding Mary Shelley’s influences and upbringing in life. Becoming familiar with who Mary Shelley was as a person will assist in the exploration of feminist and anti-feminist influences in her novel, “Frankenstein.” Mary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, during the French Revolution – a time where Enlightenment ideals and concepts of absolute individual rights were campaigned. William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, her parents, got married to legitimize her birth even though they did not believe in the institution of marriage (ClassicLit.About.com). William Godwin was philosopher, who did not believe in a higher deity or in government rule. Mary Wollstonecraft was regarded as one of the first active feminists and published her controversial novel, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” in 1792 (Bartleby.com). She also was inspired by the ideals that Thomas Paine advocated, such as women and human rights. Mary’s mother died less than two weeks of giving birth, so she never knew her mother. She was raised by her father until he remarried when Mary was still young. She did not get along with her step mother, instead she looked up to her father while growing up, and so his revolutionary ideals were of great influence toward her. ... ... middle of paper ... ...sly in 1818, though Mary Shelley’s name was added in 1823. Mary’s name did not appear as the author for five years because it could not be believed that a nineteen year old female wrote the novel (EGS.edu). “Frankenstein” was pivotal in aiding the contribution of literature made by women acceptable (FamousAuthors.org). The influences in Mary’s upbringing and experiences certainly inspired Mary to write Frankenstein from both a feminist and anti-feminist viewpoint………………………………… Works Cited “Mary Shelley.” BritainUnlimited.com. n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. “Mary Shelley.” ClassicLit.About.com. n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. “Mary Shelley.” EGS.edu. n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. “Mary Shelley.” FamousAuthors.org. 2012. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. “Mary Wollstonecraft.” Bartleby.com. 1999. Web. 27 Apr. 2014. “Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.” Kirjasto.Sci.Fi. n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2014.

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