Elizabeth Lavenza

Summary of Elizabeth Lavenza's Character

Elizabeth Lavenza is an orphan who was adopted by Victor’s parents in order to provide her with a better life. She and Victor develop a romantic relationship but she is killed on their wedding night by the Monster.

The 'passive woman'

Elizabeth can be read as an example of a typical nineteenth-century passive woman, waiting for Victor and supporting him endlessly.
This is mirrored in the description of her body when she dies, in which she seems entirely passive and weak.

Strength

It is also important to remember the ways in which Elizabeth demonstrates strength.
She creates solid bonds with people and is willing to stand up for what she believes in.
- E.g. During Justine’s trial, Elizabeth speaks up publically about her belief in Justine’s innocence.
This contrasts to Victor’s unwillingness to speak during the trial, despite his repeated claims that he wishes to.

Elizabeth Lavenza - Key Quotations

Elizabeth Lavenza is an orphan who was adopted by Victor’s parents to provide her with a better life. She and Victor develop a romantic relationship but she is killed on their wedding night by the Monster.

Elizabeth as angelic

'The saintly soul of Elizabeth shone like a shrine-dedicated lamp in our peaceful home.' (Chapter 2).
- Shelley's language presents Elizabeth as perfect and heavenly.
- She seems to radiate light into the Frankenstein household, indicating the warmth and hope that she brings.
- This could link to the nineteenth-century concept of the Angel in the House, a role which Elizabeth will go on to fulfil in the Frankenstein household.

Elizabeth's death

'She was there, lifeless and inanimate, thrown across the bed, her head hanging down, and her pale and distorted features half covered by her hair. Everywhere I turn I see the same figure - her bloodless arms and relaxed form flung by the murderer on its bridal bier.' (Volume Three: Chapter 6).
- Shelley presents Elizabeth's corpse as passive and helpless.
- There is irony in the fact that she is left on her "bridal bier". This is associated with the idea of a new beginning, when in fact it is the resting place of a corpse.

1Plot Summaries

1.1Volume I

1.1.1Letters I-IV

1.1.2Chapters 1-3

1.1.3Chapters 4-6

1.1.4Chapters 7-8

1.1.5End of Topic Test - Volume I

1.2Volume II

1.2.1Chapters 1-3

1.2.2Chapters 4-6

1.2.3Chapters 7-9

1.2.4End of Topic Test - Volume II

1.3Volume III

1.3.1Chapters 1-3

1.3.2Chapters 4-6

1.3.3Chapter 7 & Walton in Continuation

1.3.4End of Topic Test - Volume III

2Characters

2.1Victor Frankenstein

2.1.1Role

2.1.2Quotations

2.1.3End of Topic Test - Victor Frankenstein

2.2The Monster

2.2.1Role

2.2.2Quotations

2.2.3End of Topic Test - The Monster

2.2.4Grade 9 - The Monster Question & Extract

2.3Other Characters

2.3.1Robert Walton

2.3.2Elizabeth Lavenza

2.3.3Alphonse Frankenstein

2.3.4Henry Clerval

2.3.5Justine Moritz

2.3.6The De Laceys

2.3.7End of Topic Test - Walton, Elizabeth & Alphonse

2.3.8End of Topic Test - Henry, Justine & the De Laceys

3Key Themes

3.1Ambition & Pursuit of Knowledge

3.1.1Presentation

3.1.2Key Quotations

3.2Prejudice

3.2.1Presentation & Key Quotations

3.3Justice

3.3.1Presentation & Key Quotations

3.3.2End of Topic Test - Ambition, Prejudice & Justice

3.4Companionship & Family

3.4.1Presentation & Key Quotations

3.5Revenge

3.5.1Presentation & Key Quotations

3.6Monstrosity

3.6.1Presentation

3.6.2Key Quotations

3.7Gender

3.7.1Presentation

3.7.2Key Quotations

3.7.3Key Themes - Companionship, Revenge & More

4Authorial Method

4.1Genre & Intertextuality

4.1.1Genre

4.1.2Intertextuality

4.1.3End of Topic Test - Genre & Intertextuality

4.2Form & Structure

4.2.1Form

4.2.2Structure

4.3Settings & Symbolism

4.3.1Settings

4.3.2Symbolism

4.4Imagery & Doubling

4.4.1Imagery

4.4.2Doubling

4.4.3End of Topic Test - Structure, Settings & More

5Context

5.1Context

5.1.1Mary Shelley

5.1.2Time of Writing

5.1.3End of Topic Test - Context

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