In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the women are intelligent, but submissive—often victims—powerless to protect themselves and "second class citizens." The only exception may be Caroline Frankenstein who dies before the monster is created. Caroline is Victor's mother. She alone shows the ability to stand up to the world. Victor recounts... Caroline Beaufort possessed a mind of an uncommon mould; and her courage rose to support her in her adversity.
Ryan Cho Per 1 12/13/11 Women as Objects In the novel Frankenstein, by Mary Shelly, women are perceived as mere objects rather than human beings. They are treated like property, having marriages arranged for them and being adopted as either potential wives or servants. Compared with today’s society, people throughout the novel definitely treasure women just as much as we do now but from a different approach. This causes women in the novel, especially Elizabeth, to become dependent on the people around them. In the novel, women play an important role being highly valued as objects but become passive as a result.
The shattering of classifications and stereotypes, and the subversion of traditional gender roles, and the concept of sisterhood or unity among women are among the main tenets of feminist criticism. In the words of Catherine Besley, she mentioned that the cultural construction of subjectivity is one of the central issues for feminism (qtd. in Con Davis and Schleifer, 355). All women are feminists. However, it cannot be denied that women still experience the effects
Their enticing sexuality, he believes, tempts men to behave in ways they would otherwise not. A visit to the “flophouse” (a cheap hotel, or brothel) is enough of women for George, and he has no desire for a female companion or wife. Curley’s wife, the only woman to appear in Of Mice and Men, seems initially to support George’s view of marriage. Dissatisfied with her marriage to a brutish man and bored with life on the ranch, she is constantly looking for excitement or trouble. In one of her more revealing moments, she threatens to have the black stable-hand lynched if he complains about her to the boss.
I agree with Anne Mellor in the fact that she portrays Frankenstein as being sexist and against women. In the analytical essay, “Possessing Nature: The Female in Frankenstein”, written by Anne Mellor, she talks about how Shelley depicts women’s injustice in nineteenth century society through her use of characters, science, political constructs, and offers an alternative portrayal through the DeLaceys. She explains how Victor Frankenstein possesses the patriarchal mindset prevalent during this time through his inability to exhibit balanced emotions, his creation of a being which perpetuates the idea that females are no longer necessary, and his need to keep women in a submissive role. Mellor describes how the women within the novel are confined to the home, while the men are
Robin Flores Professor Anderson English 103 25 October 2012 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest One is to say, woman are portrayed inferior to men because they were never given a position of power, men see themselves superior than women, and are consider as sexual objects. The movie, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” shows the audience that women should stay in a patriarchy system. The female character Miss Ratchet, abused her power as a leader by being over dramatic on her job. The main character, McMurphy never agreed with Miss Ratchet on anything because he feels superior. Two other females that had nicknames are known as a sexual need in the film because McMurphy invited them over to seduce the guard and Billy.
Immortal Strength Within a Mortal Body A woman’s reputation influences a man’s judgment. In Victorian society, women were constricted to very narrow gender roles. Essentially there are two paths, she can either be pure and virginal (or a mother/wife) otherwise she was regarded as a whore, and expendable in any circumstance. This model is represented through two of Dracula’s main characters, Mina and Lucy. Both of these women are mysteriously feminine, pure, naïve and almost dependant on their husbands, but each with one exception.
‘A woman cannot be herself in the society of the present day, which is an exclusively masculine society, with laws framed by men and with a judicial system that judges feminine conduct from a masculine point of view’. (Henrik Isben, From Isben’s Workshop). Majority of women these days strut around half clothed and soaked in makeup, almost scared to reveal their true selves, all to please men. American media, through film and television frequently offer a degrading representation of women. The Two and a Half Men television series revolves around the life of Charlie and Alan Harper, who are brothers.
The sisters are a prime example of how Victorian men are weakened by aggressive sexy women. When Harker is dominated by the sultry vampires, Stoker creates a gender role switch. For example during the Victorian times woman are not forthcoming and sexy, they are plain, kind and loving and the men dominate them. However in this case it is the women who dominate Harker. Though he loves Mina, he still longs to be with the sisters.
He depicts women as completely sexual creatures and also devalues women in the eyes of men. The way we have viewed women from the 1600’s to now has changed dramatically. In the 1600’s, the approximate time period Shakespeare had written Hamlet, women where viewed as helpless, dependent and had no place in society. Women today are looked upon with respect and dignity because they have earned self respect, value and a place in society as hard working, knowledgeable and yet compassionate. I believe Gertrude from Hamlet, is a depthless individual who only thinks about her body and external pleasures.