Frankenstein Justin Character Analysis

In Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, “Frankenstein,” Justine Moritz is a secondary yet pivotal character whose tragic story profoundly impacts the main narrative and highlights the novel’s exploration of injustice, victimization, and the repercussions of unchecked ambition. Justine’s role in the novel is multifaceted, serving as a symbol of innocence corrupted by external forces, a mirror to societal injustices, and a catalyst that further complicates the protagonist’s turmoil.

Justine comes into the Frankenstein family as a servant but is soon considered much more like a family member, especially by Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor Frankenstein’s adopted sister.

She enters the household after her own family situation deteriorates: her father dies, and her mother, unable to cope with poverty and grief, becomes both verbally and physically abusive. Recognizing her suffering, Caroline Frankenstein, Victor’s mother, brings Justine into her own family, providing her with a refuge and a chance at a better life. This background sets Justine up as a character accustomed to hardship, yet capable of maintaining her integrity and kindness in the face of life’s challenges.

Justine’s life takes a dark turn following the death of William, the youngest of the Frankenstein siblings. When William is murdered, the Frankenstein family is devastated. The situation worsens when a locket that William had been wearing, containing a picture of his mother, is found in Justine’s possession. She is hastily accused of the murder, and despite her protests of innocence, the evidence seems damning. Justine’s trial is a farce; she is quickly convicted based on circumstantial evidence and the prejudiced predispositions of the community. It’s worth noting that Justine confesses to the crime, but she later reveals to Elizabeth that her confession was coerced by the promise of absolution and the threat of eternal damnation, which showcases the powerful influence of religious and societal pressures on individuals, especially women, during this era.

The real tragedy of Justine’s character lies not only in her wrongful conviction and execution but also in what her fate represents within the broader context of the novel. Her death is a direct consequence of Victor Frankenstein’s actions — not just the creation of the monster but his failure to stop the chain of destruction he has set in motion. Justine becomes a victim of these unchecked ambitions, her fate sealed by the societal and judicial flaws that favor expediency over truth. Through Justine, Shelley critiques the justice system and societal norms that allow an innocent girl to be condemned without a fair chance to defend herself.

Furthermore, Justine’s story highlights the themes of passive victimization and the collateral damage of other’s actions. She serves as a contrast to Victor, who actively pursues his goals regardless of the cost, while Justine suffers because of the actions and decisions of others. Her character brings into focus the themes of moral responsibility and the impact of individual actions on innocent bystanders, which are recurrent throughout the novel.

In conclusion, Justine Moritz is a compelling figure in “Frankenstein” whose story encapsulates key themes of the novel such as injustice, the fragility of innocence, and the consequences of human actions. Her tragic narrative serves not only to advance the plot but also to deepen the moral and philosophical questions Shelley poses about the nature of justice, the role of society in shaping individual fate, and the profound repercussions of human ambition. Through Justine, Shelley offers a poignant critique of the social and judicial systems of her time, highlighting the often devastating impact they can have on individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

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