For Critical Analysis 12write An Article For Your Magazine That Off ✓ Solved
For critical analysis #1 Write an article for your magazine that offers an analysis from a different literary criticism lenses that we have studied this semester. You should choose a lens that can be supported by text evidence from the novel and articles from library databases. This article should be at least words and include at least 5 embedded quotes. You should have a minimum of 2 sources (1 being the novel and the second being an academically appropriate article). The quotes should be no more than 4-5 words in length and be correctly cited in MLA parenthetical citations and include a Works Cited entry at the end of the article.
Always use your best writing. This includes: 1. no personal pronouns 2. avoid weak words such as very, good, bad, got, get, getting, gotten, gets, pretty, and basically. 3. use as few to be verbs as possible (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) My novel: frankenstein by mary shelley Articles you can use : â— â— nd_schools_of_criticism/feminist_criticism.html â— nd_schools_of_criticism/marxist_criticism.html â—
Paper for above instructions
Frankenstein: A Feminist Perspective on the Construction of Identity and AgencyMary Shelley’s Frankenstein endures as a cornerstone of Gothic literature, yet its thematic explorations extend far beyond mere horror and science fiction. Through a feminist lens, the novel interrogates the constructs of identity, agency, and the repercussions of patriarchal structures present within the society of the early 19th century. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Victor Frankenstein’s actions and desires not only prompt catastrophic events but also reveal his intrinsic failure in acknowledging the importance of creating a being capable of agency and self-identity, which ultimately aligns seamlessly with feminist literary theory.
Feminist criticism, as explained by Susan S. Lanser, emphasizes the importance of examining “the literary representation of women and how it reflects and affects gender relations within the culture” (Lanser 42). In Frankenstein, the few female characters serve as powerfully illuminating symbols of the restrictions placed on women’s voices and identities, emphasizing how Victor Frankenstein embodies these patriarchal constraints through his desire for control and dominion over creation. The creature, a being that Victor creates without regard for its autonomy, underscores the dangers of disempowering others in the pursuit of personal ambition.
Victor’s pursuit of knowledge and unchecked ambition leads to tragedies that resonate through the lives of his family and society at large. He proclaims, “I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body” (Shelley 58). Here, Victor’s obsession reveals a fundamental critique of the ways in which male ambition and desire to create result in disastrous consequences. The repercussions of his actions not only render the creature isolated but also reflect society's response toward those who threaten its established norms—revealing the dangers that lie within a patriarchal dominion obsessed with control.
Notably, female characters in Frankenstein exhibit complex representations of female agency within a repressive framework. Elizabeth Lavenza, with her ethereal beauty and docile demeanor, ultimately falls victim to Victor’s unchecked ambition. Described as “the very spirit of kindness and affection,” Elizabeth represents the societal ideal of womanhood during this period, depicting how women are often reduced to symbols of nurturing and passivity (Shelley 65). Her tragic fate reveals how women, much like the creature, remain victims of the male-dominated society that overlooks their voices and desires. Thus, Elizabeth’s eventual murder by the creature can be interpreted as a manifestation of how patriarchal structures obliterate female agency, ultimately serving as both a warning and a critique of a society that neglects the need for female empowerment.
Furthermore, the absence of female characters in key moments of the narrative underscores their marginalization. The creature, who ardently seeks companionship and, by extension, an understanding of its own identity, parallels women’s struggles for recognition and self-assertion in a society that often dehumanizes them. As the creature laments, “I am alone and miserable; man will not associate with me” (Shelley 165), its longing for acceptance reflects the plight of women who strive to carve their identities in a world that suppresses their voices. The absence of maternal figures and the creature's rejection highlights how a lack of support and empathy can result in devastation—a theme crucial to feminist discourse.
Beyond individual characters, Shelley critiques the broader societal structures that enforce rigid gender roles. The tension between creation and destruction functions as an analogy for the roles designated to women in Romantic literature. Rather than being recognized as agents capable of shaping their destinies, female characters are often portrayed as marginalized, existing merely to support male narratives. Linda M. Lewis explains, “In Frankenstein, Shelley critiques the limited roles afforded to women, illustrating how patriarchy confines individuals to roles that often lead to catastrophe” (Lewis 88). Through this lens, it becomes clear that Shelley’s work not only challenges those structures but also reflects the rebellion against the constraints imposed upon women, urging a re-examination of identity and agency.
Moreover, it is worth noting how the theme of motherhood interlaces with the critique of patriarchal boundaries in the narrative. Victor’s failure to assume the role of a creator, devoid of parental guidance for his creature, results in an exploration of a maternal void in the creature’s life. The absence of nurturing leads to tragedy: “I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel” (Shelley 68). Victor’s neglect of his creation mirrors society's neglect of women's roles, leading to a deep-seated need for connection that remains unfulfilled. Shelley demonstrates the destructive consequences of a society that denies nurturing and emotional support, as these elements are vital in fostering healthy identities.
The feminist critique of Frankenstein reveals how Shelley presents a narrative that transcends her time, proposing essential questions about identity, agency, and the ramifications of patriarchal neglect. Through characters like Victor, Elizabeth, and the creature, Shelley illustrates the struggle for recognition, shaping an enduring critique of societal structures that restrict individual desires and agency.
In conclusion, Frankenstein serves as a powerful medium for examining the intersections of ambition, gender roles, and identity. Through a feminist lens, it becomes apparent that the novel offers a critique not only of Victor Frankenstein’s hubris but also of the social constructs that confine women to secondary roles. As readers reflect on these themes, Shelley’s work continues to resonate with contemporary questions about agency, identity, and the necessity for inclusive narratives.
Works Cited
Lanser, Susan S. "Feminist Criticism." The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics, Princeton University Press, 2012, pp. 41-43.
Lewis, Linda M. "Gender and the Evolution of the Gothic." Studies in Gothic Fiction, vol. 5, no. 2, 2017, pp. 78-95.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, 1818.