The Inferiority of Women in Frankenstein, in Romantic Times and Today In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, women are described as inferior to men in many different ways. Of the few female characters in this book, very few are mentioned throughout the book and none of them are considered main characters. The ideals of Romanticism emphasize the secondary nature of women compared to men. Furthermore, Shelley's depiction of women's inferiority parallels Romantic ideals and some values ​​today, but also contrasts with some values ​​in today's society. Shelley uses these romantic ideals in Frankenstein because all of the female characters are clearly subordinate and secondary to the male characters throughout the story. Shelley projects the Romantic ethic of women's inferiority into the female characters of Frankenstein. First of all, of the three narrators in the book, none of them are women. Shelley made this choice to express the belief that women of this period were not intelligent enough to express their own opinions and that men had a more important position in society. This belief is also expressed through Margaret Saville's lack of letters to Walton. Margaret receives several letters from Walton about her travels, so it is logical to assume that she would respond, however Shelley does not offer her responses to the reader, nor does Walton acknowledge them in his letters. Margaret is used solely for Walton's purpose of expressing his feelings. Failure to recognize these letters highlights the banality of a woman's role in a man's life. Furthermore, as Walton gets to know Victor better, he becomes less affectionate and informative in his letter...... middle of paper ......to women, however today's society also has some conflicting ideals. Mary Shelley describes the romantic ideal of women's inferiority in Frankenstein. This ethic can be compared and contrasted with the values ​​of today's society. Shelley had all male narrators to accentuate the belief of male superiority. The orphaned women of the story portray the assumption that women are powerless, and Margaret's lack of letters highlights the essential worthlessness of a woman's opinions. Lastly, female presence in the workforce contradicts Romantic ideals, however housewives and male propositions parallel the ideals Shelley uses in Frankenstein. Romantic ideals that women are secondary to men are expressed in Frankenstein as well as in Romantic times and today. Works Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Signet Classics, 1963. Print.