The fate of Justine Moritz in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein serves as a stark and tragic indictment of the societal prejudices that imprisoned women in the early 19th century. Accused of murdering William and later Elizabeth, Justine is convicted and executed despite overwhelming evidence of her innocence and the clear culpability of the Creature. This narrative thread is not merely a subplot; it actively shapes our understanding of the novel's broader themes concerning justice, responsibility, and the role of women in a patriarchal society. Through Justine's trial, Shelley exposes the ease with which women could be scapegoated, the limitations placed upon their testimony and agency, and the profound consequences of a legal and social system that often denied them fair representation.
From the outset, Justine is portrayed as a victim of circumstance, her inherent goodness and gentle nature contrasting sharply with the grim realities she faces. She is described by Elizabeth as "the most grateful, forgiving, and affectionate of human beings," a testament to her gentle character. Yet, this very gentleness makes her vulnerable. When William Frankenstein is found dead, and the locket he wore—evidence of his murder—is discovered in Justine's pocket, her fate is sealed. The narrative emphasizes the circumstantial nature of the evidence and the lack of any motive for Justine to commit such a heinous act. However, in the eyes of the Frankenstein family and the court, her gender and social standing likely rendered her an easy target for blame. The prevailing societal attitudes of the time often viewed women as more susceptible to emotional instability and moral weakness, making them convenient scapegoats for crimes they did not commit.
Furthermore, Justine's trial highlights the limited agency afforded to women, particularly those of lower social class. While Victor Frankenstein, a man of privilege, is able to manipulate events and conceal his own role in the Creature's existence, Justine is powerless to defend herself effectively. Her confession, coerced by the fear of eternal damnation and the apparent futility of resistance, is a tragic reflection of the pressures women faced to conform and submit to authority. Her pleas for mercy and her attempts to assert her innocence are drowned out by the prevailing narrative of guilt. The novel suggests that her word, her character, and her very being are insufficient against the weight of accusation and societal expectation. The community's swift condemnation of Justine reflects a broader societal tendency to disregard or disbelieve women’s accounts, especially when they implicate powerful men or challenge established narratives.
The impact of Justine's unjust execution extends beyond her personal tragedy; it profoundly affects the emotional landscape of the Frankenstein family and the novel’s thematic development. Victor's guilt is amplified by his knowledge of Justine's innocence and his own role in unleashing the Creature. He recognizes that his scientific ambition has led not only to the creation of a monster but also to the destruction of an innocent woman. This realization fuels his internal torment and his subsequent pursuit of the Creature. Elizabeth, too, is devastated. Her deep affection for Justine makes the betrayal and injustice all the more agonizing. The loss of Justine contributes to Elizabeth’s growing despair, ultimately making her a target for the Creature’s revenge and a symbol of the innocence destroyed by Victor’s hubris.
Ultimately, Justine's trial in Frankenstein functions as a critical lens through which Mary Shelley examines the precarious position of women in her era. It is a powerful commentary on a legal and social system that often failed to protect the innocent, particularly those who lacked power and influence. Justine’s fate underscores the destructive potential of prejudice and the ease with which women could be sacrificed to uphold societal order or to conceal inconvenient truths. Her story serves as a tragic reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and the construction of societal norms can carry devastating human costs, especially for those on the margins of power.