After Elizabeth wakes from illness, Victor tells her that he “had to save her.” When she says she is “better,” he responds, “But you will not always be. Someday death will claim you. And I will not allow it….You are mine, Elizabeth Lavenza, and nothing will take you from me. Not even death” (this page). What is the motivation behind Victor’s experiments? Why does he feel the need to ensure that Elizabeth is never taken from him?
As they discuss Henry’s proposal, Victor notes that “Men will ever strive for that which is out of reach. For that which is higher than themselves. For that which is divine” (this page). How does this statement apply to Henry’s proposal? How might this statement apply to Victor? What is Victor revealing about his understanding of gender dynamics?
Once she is placed in the asylum, Elizabeth divulges that “[The institution] had stripped [the women] of everything we were taught made us women, and then told us we were mad.” What had they been “taught made [them] women”? What does this tell us about how women are viewed in this society? What is their purpose? Why does taking away the “collars up to our chins, long skirts, and corsets” (this page) have such an effect on their self-images? After explaining that she was committed for trying to leave her abusive husband, one woman on the floor says, “Ask the other women what they are in for and you will find more of the same” (this page). What does this tell us about the purpose of the asylum? Why would Victor put Elizabeth there?