Frankenstein

Justine Moritz is a young woman closely connected to the Frankenstein family. She first worked as a servant in their household and later returns to live with them after her mother dies. The Frankensteins treat her with affection, and Elizabeth especially cares deeply for her. Justine is portrayed as gentle, innocent, and kindhearted.

Her role becomes tragic after the murder of Victor’s younger brother, William. The monster kills William and secretly places a portrait of Victor and William’s mother (which William had been wearing) in Justine’s pocket. This planted evidence leads authorities to accuse her of the crime. Although Victor knows the monster is the true murderer, he stays silent because he fears no one will believe his story. Justine is convicted on circumstantial evidence and eventually executed, even though Elizabeth and the rest of the family believe she is innocent.

Before her execution, Justine explains that she falsely confessed because she was pressured by her jailors and feared for her soul. She says she is ready to leave the “sad and bitter world.” Her death becomes one of the clearest examples of the suffering that Victor’s secrecy and ambition causes. Victor feels overwhelming guilt because he understands that his creation of the monster indirectly caused both William’s and Justine’s deaths.

Mary Shelley uses Justine’s story to show how fear and prejudice can destroy innocent people. Justine herself does nothing wrong, yet she becomes a victim of other people’s assumptions and Victor’s refusal to tell the truth.