Presentation & Key Quotations

English Lit: AQA GCSE Frankenstein, topic 3.3.1

Presentation of the Theme of Justice

Shelley presents a world – and a justice system – that is riddled with unfairness.

Justine is condemned to death despite her innocence, and the circumstantial nature of the evidence against her.
Victor views this as a 'wretched mockery of justice'.

Victor experiences the limitations of the justice system when he is wrongly accused of Clerval’s murder.
Victor also seems to recognise the unfairness of denying the Monster a mate, and so perhaps consents to create one out of a commitment to justice.

The Monster deeply feels the injustice of the situation he faces, and plays upon this when he reminds Victor of the duties of a creator towards their creation.

Shelley presents a world – and a justice system – that is riddled with unfairness.

'A thousand times rather would I have confessed myself guilty of the crime ascribed to Justine; but I was absent when it was committed, and such a declaration would have been considered as the ravings of a madman, and would not have exculpated her who suffered through me' (Chapter 8).
Although Victor is certain of Justine's innocence, he uses the flaws in the justice system as an excuse not to speak up about his suspicions.
Victor's hyperbolic language here undermines his sentiment.

'All judges had rather that ten innocent should suffer, than that one guilty should escape.' (Chapter 8).
Victor criticises a flawed legal system which seems willing to punish an innocent person in order for it to seem as if justice is being served.

'For the first time, also, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness.' (Volume Two: Chapter 2).
The Monster seems to have been successful in getting Victor to understand the relationship between the creator and their creation.
Victor seems to acknowledge that there are certain "duties" which he should fulfil and that by making a companion for the Monster he might be able to achieve a sense of justice.

Which character does NOT experience grave injustice?
What event does Victor view as a 'wretched mockery of justice'?
What is Victor's excuse for not speaking up for Justine?
At what point in the book does Victor begin to feel 'the duties of a creator' towards the Monster?