Class

Article

College

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department

English Department

Faculty Mentor

Keri Holt

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Frankenstein and The Scarlet Letter critique the typical patriarchal family mold. • Frankenstein critiques the gender inequalities within motherhood and creation, reimagining the family by removing the mother figure.

• Hawthorne critiques the patriarchal treatment of women by creating an all- women family structure, arguing that households can survive with a sole mother figure.

• Although he does not offer an alternative family model like Shelley, Hawthorne attempts to recreate the female role.

• Both of their arguments are informed by biographical aspects, as Shelley and Hawthorne had—according to patriarchal society—atypical mothers.

• Their alternative family models are highly relevant today, as we still live in a patriarchal society that continues to advertise the existence of a domestic and public sphere.

Location

Logan, UT

Start Date

4-9-2025 12:30 PM

End Date

4-9-2025 1:20 PM

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Apr 9th, 12:30 PM Apr 9th, 1:20 PM

Motherhood Within the Patriarchal Family: An Analysis of Frankenstein and The Scarlet Letter

Logan, UT

Frankenstein and The Scarlet Letter critique the typical patriarchal family mold. • Frankenstein critiques the gender inequalities within motherhood and creation, reimagining the family by removing the mother figure.

• Hawthorne critiques the patriarchal treatment of women by creating an all- women family structure, arguing that households can survive with a sole mother figure.

• Although he does not offer an alternative family model like Shelley, Hawthorne attempts to recreate the female role.

• Both of their arguments are informed by biographical aspects, as Shelley and Hawthorne had—according to patriarchal society—atypical mothers.

• Their alternative family models are highly relevant today, as we still live in a patriarchal society that continues to advertise the existence of a domestic and public sphere.