Mommy Dearest

Frankenstein
Mary Shelley

Shelley presents Caroline as an archetype as the most caring of mothers. My preconceived notions of Frankenstein did not leave room for a maternal, loving figure. Nonetheless, Shelley has presented Victor's mother, Caroline, as the archetype of all mothers who would do absolutely anything to protect and care for their children. When Elizabeth caught scarlet fever, Caroline stayed by her sickbed and cared for her in hopes that Elizabeth's health would be restored. As a result of Caroline's motherly care for Elizabeth, she was able to return to her salubrious lifestyle. However, the consequences to Elizabeth's return to health were not predicted. "On the third day my mother sickened; her fever was accompanied by the most alarming symptoms, and the looks of her medical attendants prognosticated the worst event"(Shelley, 23). This shows that as a result of Caroline caring for Elizabeth, Caroline caught a much more severe case of the scarlet fever. Caroline's motherly instincts made her care for Elizabeth even if it meant endangering her own life. Mothers would do anything to ensure that their children stay healthy and safe, and Caroline was no exception to the typical, caring mother.