Therefore, in creating devastating consequences to Frankenstein's selfish ambitions Shelley devalues ambitious pursuits presented by Frankenstein's character, and valorised by her society. The author uses the construction of a character, compliant to his gender stereotype, to investigate the repercussions of a male orientated society. Shelley successfully challenges the patriarchal attitudes of her society by devaluing the masculine ideal which valorised the selfish pursuit for knowledge and, for glory's sake, individual achievement.
Frankenstein's 19th Century Genevan society is founded on the patriarchal division of gender roles. Frankenstein, and all male characters in the novel, inhabit the public sphere. The men all work outside the home as public servants, scientists, or as explorers. The women, on the other hand, remain confined to the private, domestic sphere. Elizabeth, for instance, is not permitted to travel with Victor on his studies and remains confined to her Genevan home. This segregation of masculine work from feminine affections is apparent throughout the novel and is exemplified through the construction of Frankenstein's character. All through his narration, Frankenstein is unable to make any connections between his work and any aspect of family life. He leaves his hometown both for the creation of the monster, a two year period in which he "paid no visit to Geneva" (p49), and for the manufacturing of its potential mate where Frankenstein "abhorred society" (p154). This hereby proves Frankenstein's inability work without total isolation, away from the affections of his family and friends. Subsequently, this separation of masculine work from familial affections is what leads directly to his downfall. In the absence of the familial, feminine characteristics in Frankenstein's life, madness, social isolation and physical sickness result - .
"Every night I was oppressed by a slow fever, and I became nervous to a most painful degree.