Agency and Patriarchy

The idea of agency is central to Frankenstein in numerous ways, but perhaps the most interesting way is in considering the agency--or lack thereof--of the monster's desired partner. When the monster begs Frankenstein to create a partner to satiate his loneliness, he claim, "My companion will be of the same nature as myself, and will be content with the same fare" (103). He then goes on to determine what she will eat, do, and how she will behave. In contrast, Frankenstein seems to give her a little more voice: "She also might turn with disgust from him to the superior beauty of man; she might quit him, and he be again alone" (119). Initially, it appears as though Frankenstein is offering her more agency by actually considering her opinion and what she might want to do. However, they are actually both taking away her agency entirely by deciding what she will do before she even exists. This also connects to the patriarchal social structure that is a main theme throughout the book; the men have already determined this woman's life before she is even created. Similarly, social constructs that already exist will inevitably shape one's life, especially in terms of gender roles and expectations.