Constituents of Fatherhood that Represent a Threat to Family and Society in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Abstract: Feminist literary critics have long focused on the female gender role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This essay turns instead to the role of fatherhood in Frankenstein. This has been achieved by applying Judith Butler’s feminist theory, the Theory of Performativity, and by examining the different examples of fatherhood in the novel, performing a comparative study whilst applying a historical context. The main point of focus has been to compare the effects, of the existing types of fatherhood in the novel, on family and society, using the Theory of Performativity. This has resulted in the understanding that Frankenstein gives much consideration to the constituents of fatherhood which may represent the most immediate threat to the family as a building block, to the happiness of children, and the improvement of society.