Justine Moritz Flashcards
Why is Justine accused of William’s murder?
-After the murder of William, Justine is found with the portrait of Caroline that William had previously been seen with, and is accused of the crime.
-She falsely confesses on the advice of her confessor, and is executed for the murder, despite being innocent.
How is Justine perceived by others?
-Shelley’s descriptions of Justine focus on how amiable and well-liked she is, and this serves to heighten the sense of injustice felt when Justine is executed for the murder of William.
-The manner in which Justine is willing to confess to a crime of which she is innocent also encourages us to be critical of Victor’s failure to speak up and potentially save her life.
‘Justine was the most grateful little creature in the world.’
-Having been taken in by the Frankenstein family and provided with an education, Justine is incredibly thankful and appreciative.
-This perhaps serves to further highlight the effect of Victor’s abandonment of the Monster.
‘In these last moments I feel the sincerest gratitude towards those who think of me with kindness. How sweet is the affection of others to such a wretch as I am!’
-Even when she is about to be executed for a crime she didn’t commit, Justine uses her final words to thank others for their kindness towards her.
-The sweet, saintly nature of Justine’s character makes her fate seem even sadder. This encourages the reader to deepen their criticism of Victor’s refusal to speak up.
‘Justine, you may remember, was a great favourite of yours; and I recollect you once remarked that if you were in an ill humour, one glance from Justine could dissipate it.’
-Justine is presented as having a positive influence on the mood of others.
-In this explanation of her ability to dispel Victor’s bad humour, Shelley presents Justine as an ideal nineteenth-century woman, similar to the Angel in the House.
