Question+1

Is Shelley’s portrayal of Safie consistent with, more favorable, or less favorable, than her portrayal of other female characters so far?

Argument 1: The description of Safie’s beauty is more in depth than the other women. “…[she] threw up her veil, and I beheld a countenance of angelic beauty and expression.” Pg 112

“Her hair of a shining raven black, and curiously braided; her eyes were dark, but gentle, although animated; her features of a regular proportion, and her complexion wondrously fair, each cheek tinged with a lovely pink.” Pg 112

“She sang, and her voice flowed in a rich cadence, swelling or dying away, like a nightingale of the woods.” Pg. 113



Argument 2: Safie’s actions portray her as being selfless, and her gentle nature puts everyone around her at ease. “…when her attendant fell dangerously ill…Safie nursed her with the most devoted affection…” Pg 122

“They made many signs which I did not comprehend, but I saw that her presence diffused gladness through the cottage, dispelling their sorrow as the sun dissipates the morning mists.” Pg 113

“The presence of Safie diffused happiness…” Pg 126



Argument 3: Safie is more independent than the other women, as she decides her own fate. “When alone, Safie resolved in her own mind the plan of conduct that it would become her to pursue in this emergency. A residence in Turkey was abhorrent to her; her religion and her feelings were alike averse to it.” Pg 122 “Taking with her some jewels that belonged to her and a sum of money, she quitted Italy with an attendant…” pg 122 “…the merchant commanded his daughter to think no more of her lover, but to prepare to return to her native country. The generous nature of Safie was outraged by this command…”

Argument 4: Safie has aspirations to have a greater influence in society and her own life. “The prospect of marrying a Christian and remaining in a country where women were allowed to take a rank in society was enchanting to her.” Pg. 120 “The young girl spoke in high and enthusiastic terms of her mother, who, born in freedom, spurned the bondage to which she was now reduced. She instructed her daughter in the tenets of her religion and taught her to aspire to higher powers of intellect and an independence of spirit forbidden to the female followers of Muhammad.” Pg 119 “…Safie, who sickened at the prospect of again returning to Asia and being immured within the walls of a harem, allowed only to occupy herself with infantile amusements, ill suited to the temper of her soul, now accustomed to grand ideas and a noble emulation for virtue.” Pg 119-120