The Representation of Women in Jane Eyre and Frankenstein - Book Report/Review Example

 The representation of Women in Jane Eyre and Frankenstein Jane Eyre and Frankenstein are different sorts of novel which focuses on women from the outlook of being independent and being dominated by the influence of male in the society respectively. It can be commented with least hesitation that Jane Eyre is a story composed to illuminate the necessity for women to live, decide and act independently in addition to giving a positive portrayal of women. Where as, Frankenstein carries a portrayal of women who in turn appear to be under the control and rule of men, in addition to having a frightening description. In Frankenstein there seems to be a continuous struggle for the women characters however the author appears to be very specific in considering independence for women, in the sense not woman character is likely to decide and act independently like that of Jane Eyre. There remains lack of action from the part of women characters, where as in Jane Eyre women characters take the leading as well as challenging position representing their presence in the novel as active. “However, the passive nature of the female characters adheres more closely to what would typically be expected of them, as both Elizabeth and Frankenstein's mother are portrayed as wonderful but nevertheless altogether dependent on the men for provision. It is possible that Shelley felt that too many radical positions in the book might alienate the very audience she was attempting to influence,” observes Shader [2002]. There is one final female character in the book. Frankenstein's servant Justine, who is possibly the ideal picture of women in the book. However, the character of Justine has been criticised only as a failure. Elizabeth describes her "softness and winning mildness", while Frankenstein calls her "frank-hearted and happy." It is interesting to note that one woman praises another for her passiveness, and indeed, it is this passive nature that is typical of women in the book and particularly prominent in Justine. Even in the face of the greatest injustice, Justine submits to the judicial system, saying, "I must be condemned, although I would pledge my salvation on my innocence. Shader [2002] “Another pattern that both Anne Mellor in "The Female in Frankenstein" and William Veeder in "Frankenstein: Self-Division and Projection" discuss is that of name symbolism, which reinforces Victor Frankenstein's hubris in trying to eliminate the female as he attempts to win eternal fame as the founder of a new line of superhuman. Instead of submitting himself to the will of the community and the family, the scientist asserts his ego by challenging the laws of nature” observes Allingham [2002] Allingham also sees that, “Walton and Frankenstein make no concessions in their quest for greatness” . It means that their notion for quest could be considered as one of the driving factors, which does not allow Victor to see woman from a passionate angle. Society of the day saw women powerless. Victors’ ability to create a new monster shows the aspect of powerlessness of woman. His learning on earlier alchemists leads him to develop an arrogant endeavour. His desire to create something new with the help of the scientific knowledge he has gained urges him to consider woman as less powerful. Victor exhibits his dominant attitude towards Elizabeth is a typical portrayal of powerless and dependent woman of the novel who has been described as always waiting to accept the decisions taken by Victor. Justine Moritz and Elizabeth are women characters presented adopted girls of Victor’s household, Justine’s powerlessness is revealed at the time of accusation forced on her over the murder of William. Caroline Beaufort is yet another character who looses her life due to Elizabeth’s influence on her. In the sense, she develops a same sort of fever, which is constricted from Elizabeth. However, there seems to be a slight revelation of her strength at the time of her convinces given to Justine, “Rise, my poor, ‘girl, said Elizabeth, “why do you kneel, if you are innocent?. I am not one of your enemies; I believe you guiltless, not withstanding any evidence, until I heard that you had yourself declared your guilt. That report, you say, is false; and be assured, dear Justine, that nothing can shake my confidence in you for a moment, except your own confession” Chapter 8, pp-68] “Elizabeth basically is another example of another defeated woman character in Frankenstein, and adds even more to the theory that this novel does not give its female characters a fair chance at development and character survival. …these woman characters are indeed being portrayed as “good” people, but they are not really being given much physical strengths,” observes DiBiase [2005]. This situation may be matched with that of Justine also, she appears to be caring, noble and well-formed woman in characteristics yet she is a suitable example for collapse in spite of the reason that she does not deserve it. As far as Jane Eyre is concerned, Jane Austen is very specific to locate all the possibilities of giving freedom even at the very tough moments in life. For example, Jane is able to come out of the critical circumstances and manage a living fo her own decisions, however, with the help of certain characters such as Mr.Lloyd, Mary, Diana and St.John. This was a novel written on the Victorian social background. The status of women during that time has shall be considered as an important driving factor which in turn will help in analysing the condition of women. During the Victorian era Women were as inferior to men, marriage was given more preference as it was considered as the only source to increase dependency of a woman in terms of wealth and social status. However, the role of the protagonist in Jane Eyre appears to be an exception from the above-mentioned condition of Victorian woman. Either is schooling or, job, or decision-making women were given least preference to express their idea, but Jane Eyre stands as a different plot featuring the requirement of freedom for women as well as portrayed the challenging attitude existing in Jane Eyre. Charlotte Bronte explicitly reveals her notion of freedom for women in Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is s novel, which proves the life of Jane as a contrast of what Victorian social perspective of woman, though Jane has been described coming out from a middle class, she is portrayed as well educated and employed herself as a respectable governess. In addition to retrieving the general characters of a passionate and outspoken and these traits give her a different outlook from that of an Victorian woman observes, Honary [2002], Longford [1981]. The role of Jane Eyre appears to be exclusively and purposely formed by Bronte, Jane , with the guidance and help from Miss. Temple receives ample of opportunities to look and live in the world with a broad notion. The importance of educating a woman in various fields of learning and art is emphasised by Bronte. While referring to Temple she adds that “had promised to teach drawing, and to let learn French, if continued to make similar improvement two months longer" (Bronte 77; ch. 8).  Elstone [2007] observes that “In approaching the topic of gender, Bronte shows how Jane fits the mold of being an artistic female in the Victorian era.  Jane first learns to draw through the guidance and care of Miss Temple” Jane’s imagination reflected over her fascination for paintings is yet another feature, which reveals her upliftment in a society constrained for women.  For example, when she imagines “Beyond and above spread an expanse of sky, dark blue as at twilight:  rising into the sky, was a woman’s shape to the bust, portrayed in tints as dusk and soft as I could combine.  The dim forehead was crowned with a star; the lineaments below were seen as through the suffusion of a vapour; the eyes shone dark and wild; the hair streamed shadowy, like a beamless cloud torn by storm or by electric travail.  On the neck lay a pale reflection like moonlight; the same faint luster touched the train of thin clouds from which rose and bowed this vision of the Evening Star. (Bronte 132; ch. 13) . While analysing her imagination it shows Jane’s expectation of a life free from the clutches of society could be understood. When she refers to woman’ shape being broken, and it means that she would want a change which is reflected from the phrase “dim forehead crowned with a star” etc. In the same way in Jane expresses her attitude towards independent thinking and action in terms of the imagination that raises in her mind. For example, she says, “Provided with a case of pencils, and some sheets of paper, I used to take a seat…near the window, and busy myself in sketching fancy vignettes, representing any scene that happened momentarily to shape itself in the ever-shifting kaleidoscope of imagination:  a glimpse of sea between two rocks; the rising moon, and a ship crossing its disk; a group of reeds and water-flags, and a naiad’s head, crowned with lotus-flowers, rising out of them; an elf sitting in a hedge-sparrow's nest, under a wreath of hawthorn-bloom”. (Bronte 233, ch. 21) There seems to be a stress laid on the word “shaping”, which could be interpreted as shaping the condition of woman. It could also be interpreted that Jane’s wordy expressions are nothing but Bronte’s expectations of improving the status of women of the Victorian England through her inspiring works. Education is one of the striking aspects, which Bronte stresses at many places in the novel, she seems to hold a prominent place for women’s education which she feels, would bring them out of a controversial status of inferiority. Forbes [1994] observes the same trait in Bronte and therefore says “Morality and intellectuality transcend the division between sexes; both men and women are subject to the same vices and virtues. Therefore, Brontë argues, men and women should be subject to the same advantages of education, so as both sexes may exercise their minds, and maintain themselves morally” Forbes [1994] . As far as Jane Eyre is concerned it is a typical reflection of a character who is an absolute exception from the Victorian woman, and through the earlier life of Jane Bronte is able to present the real status of Victorian women, in terms of their dependency on their family, lack of freedom to decide even in their education and marriage, and marriage linked with courtship etc. It can be said with least hesitation that Jane’s personification and life is the expression of Bronte’s wishes for woman’s independence. At the earlier stage Jane is found helpless, under the care of her cruel Aunt Reed, she had to solely depend on her, and this is the typical condition of Victorian woman. As the story proceeds Jane is able to grab all the possible opportunities along with the help of Temple and educates herself in various fields such as French, English, and Art, it is probably this education aspect though which Bronte is able to distinguish Jane’s status from that of other women in the plot. One of the striking features of this novel is the notion of equality, which Bronte wants to claim through Jane, when she says “Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! I have as much soul as you, - and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty, and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: - it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at gods feet, equal- as we are!”[ Bronte 77, p- 284]. The sense of equality is felt through out the novel and this could be understood through the above words said by Jane to Mr. Rochester While comparing the characterisation of women in Frankenstein and Jane Eyre, both have different approach to women characters. In Jane Eyre, Jane dominated through out, and Bronte is able to give a complete focus towards Jane’s development in her life to a successful, passionate and educated woman, but in the case of Frankenstein all the woman characters appear to represent downfall before the dominance of male characters particularly Victor. However, Elizabeth and Justine is portrayed as having all the good features and characteristics of woman like Jane in terms of love, compassion, and care they did not deserve what they have to. Where as Jane proves herself as a successful woman and Bronte is able to provide all the deserving features to Jane, and this she feels as if the completely Victorian community deserves through Jane. Overall Jane Eyre supports women’s independence and Frankenstein suppresses their independence. Women of Frankenstein appear as powerless and remain the same till they die, where as Jane Eyre emerge out as a timid girl and develops to an intellectual standing as a good example of the society. Reference: Allingham, Philip V. “Mary Shelly’s “Frankenstein” [1818] –A Summary of Modern Criticism” Retrieved on December 8th 2002. from http://www.victorianweb.org/previctorian/mshelley/pva229.html DiBiase, Ryan Position Paper #4. The DiBiase Files online retrieved from http://caxton.stockton.edu/dibiase/2005/02/22 Elizabeth, Horany. ”Woman in Education”. May 18th, 2002.April 6th, 2007.Online available from http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~ulrich/femhist/education.shtml Elizabeth Longford. Eminent Victorian Women. 91 Clapham High Street London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1981. Elstone , Kelli. “Gender, Class and Jane Eyre’s Art”. Online retrieved on 28th April 2007 from http://www.umd.umich.edu/casl/hum/eng/classes/434/charweb/elstone1.htm Forbes, Roberta A. “The Role of Education in Jane Eyre”. Tetrieved on May 1994 from http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/bronte/cbronte/jane8.html Bronte, Charlotte. “Jane Eyre”. Retrieved on 2007 from http://www.online-literature.com/brontec/janeeyre/1/ Shader, Brian. “The role of women in Frankenstein”. Retrieved on 30th April from http://everything2.com/index.pl?node=Frankenstein Read More