1. Female Agency and Creation:
* The Creature as a Metaphor for Female Creation: The Creature's creation without a mother figure and the fear surrounding his existence can be seen as a metaphor for how women's agency and creative power were often suppressed and feared during the Romantic era.
* The Role of Female Characters: While not directly involved in the scientific creation of the Creature, women like Elizabeth and Justine play crucial roles in the story. Their fates are intertwined with the actions of men and often reflect the societal constraints placed upon women of the time.
* The Absence of a Female Creator: The lack of a female scientific figure in the novel reinforces the societal norm that science and creation were primarily male domains.
2. The Suppression and Marginalization of Women:
* Domesticity and Constraint: Characters like Elizabeth, Justine, and even the Creature's mother are portrayed within the traditional confines of domesticity. Their desires and ambitions are often limited by societal expectations and the influence of powerful men.
* Victimhood and Vulnerability: The women in the novel often become victims of circumstances and violence, further highlighting their vulnerability and lack of power in a patriarchal society.
3. The Power of Nature and Nurture:
* The Creature's "Unnatural" Creation: The Creature's existence itself challenges the idea of natural order and the limitations imposed upon women's bodies.
* The Importance of Maternal Care: The Creature's longing for connection and his quest for acceptance can be interpreted as a critique of the societal norms that denied women's nurturing instincts and emotional needs.
4. The Feminist Critique of Science and Technology:
* Science as a Force of Destruction: The novel's depiction of scientific ambition as potentially destructive and monstrous can be read as a critique of the patriarchal control over knowledge and technology, often used to exploit and oppress women.
It's important to note that interpreting *Frankenstein* through a feminist lens involves engaging with the text's historical context and recognizing the societal norms and power structures present during Shelley's time. While not explicitly feminist, the novel's exploration of creation, agency, and the treatment of women provides rich ground for feminist readings and discussion.