Justine Moritz
English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 2.3.5
Summary of Justine Moritz's Character
Justine Moritz is the neglected daughter of a widow. Caroline Frankenstein takes her in as a servant and educates her, and Justine becomes close to Elizabeth. Justine is accused of the murder of William and is executed, despite being innocent.
The murder of William
- 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.
Amiable and well-liked
- 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 Moritz - Key Quotations
Justine Moritz is the neglected daughter of a widow. Caroline Frankenstein takes her in as a servant and educates her, and Justine becomes close to Elizabeth. Justine is accused of the murder of William and is executed, despite being innocent.
Grateful
- 'Justine was the most grateful little creature in the world.' (Chapter 6).
- 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 Victors' abandonment of the Monster.
Positive influence
- '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' (Chapter 6).
- 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.
Her final words
- '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!' (Chapter 8).
- 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.
Test yourself on Justine Moritz
Who advises Justine to confess to the murder of William, despite being innocent?
What evidence leads to Justine being accused of William's murder?
How does Shelley present Justine as an ideal nineteenth-century woman?
Which word should go in the gap?
'Justine was the most ____ little creature in the world.' (Chapter 6)