How does Shelley present relationships between men and women?

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How does Shelley present relationships between men and women?

Shelley present relationships between men and women in various ways

but they all have an inter-linking message within them. This is that

women are dependent on men in the majority of relationships.

Shelley uses characters as examples of different relationships; for

example Caroline and Alphonse’s relationship is a very loving one. All

that Frankenstein says of his parents his good things, for example he

says, “Active spirit of tenderness that animated both,” the majority

of descriptions of their relationships is similar to this. Their

relationship effectively creates a benchmark with which to compare all

the other relationships with. None of the others is anywhere nears as

perfect as theirs is described.

In comparison to their relationship Walton’s relationship with his

sister is significantly less passionate. Walton expresses his love for

his sister occasionally, he says, “I love you very tenderly,” he is

however not in touch with the emotional turmoil you would expect his

sister to be going through. Emotionally Walton is naive; their

relationship is long distance, and it is clearly obvious Walton has no

experience in communicating his feelings. Their relationship is an

unsure one.

The main relationship between Victor and Elizabeth is of great

contrast, especially between them. As the novel goes on it is apparent

that Victor stands for evil, he is selfish, lets an innocent die and

his self-piteous as well as ignorant. Elizabeth on the other hand

stands for love, caring and is completely unselfish. They are two

complete opposites, but they are supposedly in love. There is huge

contrast between them, and their relationship is quite rocky...

... middle of paper ...

...sonality. Again in the way that

Shelley has presented the relationships between men and women, she has

expressed her feminist opinion on how women are forced to give in to

men.

This is where the role of the monster comes in, it wants a female for

companionship, a woman as an equal. The monster represents the

relationship that feminists want; he doesn’t want to dominate a

relationship, where the woman has to depend on the man.

The way Shelley presents relationships seem very feministic, men are

portrayed as selfish and ignorant, while women are portrayed

essentially as the heroines, for example Justine. She dies with honor,

while Victor is portrayed as self-centered. S well as feminist

opinions being expressed, there is a general feeling that relationship

will eventually fail and are often painful.

Shelley uses relationships to express her opinions.

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