Elizabeth Lavenza Flashcards
How is Elizabeth the ‘passive woman’?
-Elizabeth can be read as an example of a typical nineteenth-century passive woman, waiting for Victor and supporting him endlessly.
-This is mirrored in the description of her body when she dies, in which she seems entirely passive and weak.
How does Elizabeth demonstrate strength?
-She creates solid bonds with people and is willing to stand up for what she believes in. During Justine’s trail, Elizabeth speaks up publically about her belief in Justine’s innocence.
-This contrasts to Victor’s unwillingness to speak during the trial, despite his repeated claims that he wishes to.
‘The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp in our peaceful home.’
-Shelley’s language presents Elizabeth as perfect and heavenly.
-She seems to radiate light into the Frankenstein household, indicating the warmth and hope that she brings.
-This could link to the nineteenth-century concept of the Angel in the House, a role which Elizabeth will go on to fufil in the Frankenstein household.
‘She was there, lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, her head hanging down, and her pale and distorted features half covered by her hair. Everywhere I turn I see the same figure - her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier.’
-Shelley presents Elizabeth’s corpse as
passive and helpless.
-There is irony in the fact that she if left on her ‘bridal bier’. This is associated with the idea of a new beginning, when in fact it is the resting place of a corpse.
