Justine Moritz
English Lit: Edexcel A Level Frankenstein, topic 2.3.2
Justine Moritz
Justine is the housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. She is initially introduced to the reader in Chapter 6 in Elizabeth’s letter.
Introduction
- Justine is the housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. She was rejected by her own mother, Madame Moritz, after the death of her husband.
- She is initially introduced to the reader in Chapter 6 in Elizabeth’s letter.
Affection
- Justine is treated kindly by the Frankenstein family and is regarded with more affection than a servant, given "an education superior to that which she had at first intended."
Conviction
- After the Monster kills William, Justine is arrested and charged for his murder due to circumstantial evidence, after being framed by the Monster.
- She ends up falsely confessing to the killing due to her fear of going to hell and is executed, even though Victor visits her and knows exactly who had committed the young child’s murder.
What do we Know About Justine?
Shelley addresses the issues of justice and the submissive nature of women and lower classes in society through the character of Justine. Justine ends up paralleling the Monster in many ways.
Issues addressed
- Through the character of Justine, Shelley addresses:
- The issue of justice (which is a play on the character’s name).
- The submissive nature of women in society.
- The submissive nature of the lower classes in society.
A martyr
- Despite all that she endures, Justine is a sympathetic character, a martyr or "saintly sufferer".
- She ends up paralleling the Monster in many ways.
Parallels with the Monster
- She suffers prejudice because of something that is not her fault.
- The priest calls her a "monster".
- She shows loyalty and kindness towards the Frankenstein family, just like the Monster does with the De Laceys as he watches them secretly, collecting wood and clearing snow from their path.
- She is rejected by her parent, just like the Monster is by Victor.
Test yourself on Justine Moritz
When was Justine rejected by her family?
How does Justine die?
Why does Justine falsely confess to killing William?
What issues does Shelley address through the character of Justine?