Devika Aji
Harpreet Kaur Arora
Romantic Literature
05 May 2023
The Construction of a Monster: Justine Moritz in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus (1818), remains a seminal work of the 19th century that continues to inspire cultural dissemination and adaptations even after two centuries. The novel stands as a remarkable culmination of colliding worldviews, influenced by Mary Shelley's radical parents, Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, as well as her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Frankenstein explores the dangers of playing God and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Victor Frankenstein creates his creature in a quest for scientific discovery, but ultimately abandons it due to
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As a woman in Shelley's society, she faces societal constraints and expectations that limit her agency and subject her to various forms of oppression. Elizabeth remarks, "Her mild eyes seemed incapable of any severity or guile, and yet she has committed a murder" (Chapter 7). This quote illustrates the dissonance between Justine's gentle demeanour and the accusations against her, emphasising the gender biases and patriarchal norms that shape society's perception as well as how the infesting patriarchy coerces women to turn against each …show more content…
She exhibits kindness towards others, including the Frankenstein family, particularly Elizabeth, who believes in her innocence and is “warmly attached to the child who is now dead, and acted towards him like a most affectionate mother.” (Ch. 8) and “the poor sufferer tried to comfort others,” epitomising the notion of womanhood and motherhood as selfless and suffering.
Moreover, Victor recognises the consequence of his creation and inculcates guilt as he remarks, "Justine also was a girl of merit, and possessed qualities that promised to render her life happy; now all was to be obliterated in an ignominious grave, and I the cause!" (Ch. 8). Victor can be associated with Faust and Satan for aspiring to absolute knowledge. He is the oldest son of the Frankensteins and feels morally responsible for his innocent brother's death. Like Cain, Victor becomes a fugitive and vagabond, becoming a wanderer in the end.
Furthermore, Justine's strong sense of duty and loyalty is evident in her willingness to take the blame for a crime she did not commit, protecting the reputation of the Frankenstein family. accepting the false accusations against her to shield the family from further harm. This act of self-sacrifice underscores Justine's commitment to those she cares for and emphasises the injustice she