Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is often celebrated for its exploration of complex themes like ambition, creation, and the nature of humanity. However, one character that often flies under the radar in these discussions is Safie, who plays a critical yet nuanced role in the narrative. As we delve into Safie’s representation in the novel, it becomes clear that she embodies a form of objectification that reflects not only her personal circumstances but also broader societal attitudes towards women during Shelley’s time. This essay will explore how Safie’s character serves as a reflection of objectification, examining her relationships with male characters and her ultimate struggle for autonomy.
Safie’s Role in the Narrative
First off, it’s essential to understand who Safie is within the story. She appears primarily through the lens of the De Lacey family and later interacts with Victor Frankenstein’s creature. Initially introduced as an exotic figure—being a foreign woman seeking refuge from her father’s oppressive grip—Safie represents hope and liberation to some characters while simultaneously falling victim to objectification by others. Her beauty and exoticism are emphasized repeatedly, which leads to an interesting dichotomy: she is both revered and reduced to an object of desire.
The Male Gaze: A Double-Edged Sword
When we talk about objectification in literature, we can’t ignore the concept of “the male gaze,” coined by feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey. In “Frankenstein,” this gaze manifests through various male characters who view Safie more as an idealized figure than as a fully realized person. For instance, when Felix De Lacey first sees Safie, he is captivated by her beauty and grace—attributes that seem to overshadow her intellect or individuality. This initial portrayal sets the tone for how other male characters perceive her throughout the novel.
The creature himself also views Safie through this lens when he observes her interactions with Felix. To him, she represents everything beautiful yet unattainable; he longs for companionship but realizes that his own grotesque appearance relegates him to eternal solitude. The contrast between his monstrous form and Safie’s delicate femininity emphasizes how society often judges individuals based on outward appearances rather than their intrinsic worth.
Safie’s Agency—or Lack Thereof
A significant aspect of Safie’s character is how much agency she possesses—or lacks—in shaping her own destiny. On one hand, she escapes from her father’s oppressive rule; on another hand, this act of rebellion seems more about aligning herself with Felix than asserting any independent identity. When we think about true empowerment in literature, we usually look for characters who actively shape their destinies instead of being swept along by events orchestrated by others.
In many ways, this makes Safie’s journey frustratingly passive despite moments where she does assert herself—such as choosing to leave her father’s house or learning language from Felix’s family so she can communicate better with them. But ultimately, these actions still revolve around male figures who are pivotal in determining where she’s headed next.
The Reflection of Society’s Attitudes Toward Women
So why does all this matter? The way Shelley’s novel treats female characters like Safie mirrors larger societal attitudes towards women during the 19th century—a time when women were often viewed as property or objects rather than individuals with their own desires and aspirations. By portraying women primarily through male perspectives (and even at times reducing them to mere symbols), Shelley invites readers to question those very dynamics.
This raises interesting questions about feminism within Gothic literature: Are female characters trapped within patriarchal structures simply because that’s what society expects? Or can they find ways to navigate those structures without losing their sense of self? Unfortunately for Safie—and perhaps even more so for Elizabeth Lavenza—their struggles suggest they remain largely confined by traditional gender roles defined by men’s expectations and desires.
A Final Thought on Objectification
In conclusion, while Mary Shelley provides rich thematic content throughout “Frankenstein,” it’s crucial not to overlook how characters like Safie serve as reflections on broader issues such as gender dynamics and objectification. Through exploring facets like beauty standards dictated by males’ perceptions or lack thereof regarding female agency—as well as positioning women within patriarchal constraints—we see how deeply embedded these themes are not just in literature but also in our collective cultural consciousness.
Ultimately though intricate these layers might be woven together; they beg us not merely accept them passively but engage critically with every character’s complexities—including those marginalized voices like our dear friend Savvie!
References
- Shelley M., Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus.
- Mulvey L., Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema.
- Showalter E., The Female Malady: Women Madness & English Culture 1830-1980.
- Brown J., Gender & Representation: Feminist Approaches Towards Literature & Art History.
