Elizabeth Lavenza
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 6.1.4
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.
Test yourself on Elizabeth Lavenza
How does Shelley present Elizabeth's corpse?