Queer Theory in Frankenstein

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Queer Theory in Frankenstein
Mary Shelley was a feminist that was strongly interested in the social setting and the depiction of male-female relationship. In “Frankenstein,” Mary Shelley uses Victor Frankenstein as a protagonist that enhances the theme of queer theory. Sinatra defines queer theory as a field of feminist criticisms that emerged in the late twentieth century to deconstruct gender roles and identities. This theory has expanded to increase strict criticism in mismatch of behavior among gender. Some of the criticisms include criticism on gender roles, same-sex relationships, and dressing codes. This essay is a critical analysis of incidences of queer theory in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and how characters bring out this theory.
Charlie explains that the main reason why Frankenstein decides to create the creature is due insufficient satisfaction or a sense of incompatibility that he has in women. In queer theory, a person develops an intimate relationship with a person of the same gender. After Frankenstein has created the scientific object, he states that “…a new species will bless me as its source…” (Shelley 37). Frankenstein had failed to find a natural companion of opposite sex. Even when one could say that he could have looked for a woman, the reason behind him creating a male creature instead of a female creature and believing that he will derive a sense of satisfaction in it is a clear indication of queer behavior.
Victor’s queer behavior is also evident in the manner he describes his work to Wharton. He is interested in taking over the role of a woman, the role of conceiving a creature that will “bless” him. He vividly describes his determination to Wharton on how he spent time in a solitary room or sale at the top of the building, collecting bones and putting every detail in his artistic work. He does not believe that a woman could have conceived a partner of his choice. He is propelled by desire for a companion of his choice, a partner that he has made out of his efforts. He tells Wharton that his “human nature turned with loathing” (Shelley 38) whenever he was occupied with his task. This is an obsession beyond ordinary occupation that one can engage in. He is consumed by desire of getting a complete creature of his own to the extent that his human nature is weakened, perhaps yearning for a moment to complete his work and derive his satisfaction in it. The irony of this feeling is magnified by the fact that Victor hardly pays attention to Elizabeth, a woman that is constantly sending him letters. Instead of Victor falling in love and embracing Elizabeth’s love, the very woman that he is to love scares him out of his bed when he is trying to kiss her. He describes the woman as a “…imprinted first kiss on her lips…they became livid like a hue of death” (Shelley 42). This feeling scares him to the point of death. He further explains that when he wakes up, he sees a scary figure of the creature he had helped bring to life.
Shelley depicts Victor as a man afraid of raising a family, especially in the manner that Victor fears p...