Frankenstein Chapter 14
More on the cottagers
Characters
Character Development
"The prospect of marrying a Christian and remaining in a country where women were allowed to take a rank in society was enchanting to her." (Shelley 88)
Safie's mother, although gone, taught Safie one of the most important things that would impact her the most later on in life. This idea of female independence that her mother instilled in her, is what led her to leave Italy with the intentions of finding Felix.
Indirect Characterization
We are able to pull from this how Safie has the ability to remove herself from what her father is trying to force her to do, and make her own plans. She knows that by following her father's wish, she will only be putting herself in a bad situation, so she is taking it upon herself to be independent and do what she wants.
Themes
Human Injustice Towards Outsiders
The Turk was a victim of religious prosecution and sentenced to death because of his status, rather than anything he had actually done.
"-while in his heart he had formed for other plans. He loathed the idea that his daughter should be united to a Christian-" (Shelley 88)
The Turk was prosecuted for his religion, yet he is going to turn around and do the same thing to the person who saved him, denying him the thing he promised. Not only this, but he is also going against exactly what his daughter wants.
Treatment of Women
Although Safie does genuinely want to be with Felix, her father is still treating her like an object that he has the power to give away.
Consequences
Felix is now having to pay for helping the Turk escape prison, but the consequences are also falling on his family.
Literary Techniques
Allusion
In a Muslim society, there is a part of the household that is reserved for all of the women in the home. This acts to show how much Safie breaks the mold of a passive and submissive woman.
Important Developments
Growth of the Monster
"-I found means, during my residence in the hovel, to produce the implements of writing-" (Shelley 87)
The monster, who has yet to even speak to humans, had taught himself the cottager's language, how to speak it, and even how to write it. We can see him developing into a more human-like creature.