Caroline as an Archetype

In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Victor's mother Caroline is the archetype of a selfless and caring mother. Evidence for this claim is found in each instance that Frankenstein speaks of his mother. For instance, when Victor first introduces Caroline, he recounts how she cared for her ailing father prior to her marriage with Victor's father. Frankenstein describes Caroline's hard work and dedication to her father saying, "She procured plain work; she plaited straw, and by various means contrived to earn pittance scarcely sufficient to support life" (15). Here, as a young woman, Caroline epitomizes altruism by giving up her own liberty in order  to improve the quality of life and health of her father. Moreover, Caroline further proves as an archetype of a caring mother through her care for the poor in Italy as well as her willingness and eagerness to take care of the orphan Elizabeth. Naturally, because of the love and care Caroline offered to all she encountered, but especially to her children, Victor grew increasingly attached. Thus, her death left a significant void in his life. This sparked Frankenstein's obsession to find a way to raise the dead. Caroline's love brought Victor immense love during her lifetime, and her absence ultimately brought him unfathomable despair.