Margaret Saville

Margaret Saville is never given a voice in Frankenstein. Yet, it is this absence of voice that perhaps says the most; Shelley demonstrates that in her oppressive 19th century society, the patriarchal norms rendered female voices inconsequential. However, as a modern readership, we can interpret a second meaning to Margaret’s character. Despite her silence, Robert Walton continues to write to her and seek her counsel, often mediating his decisions based on his letters to her. Representative of the important role Shelley suggests women play in moderating male ambition, Margaret’s presence is that of an implied voice of reason.