Theme of Justice in Frankenstein

Overview

Justice is a critical theme in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.
Different ideas of justice explored within the narrative affect various characters.

Victor Frankenstein's abandonment: Victor, the creature's creator, runs away, which is akin to a parent abandoning their child—an unjust act.
Judgment based on appearance: The creature faces judgment and mistreatment from humans solely because of its appearance.
Denied a companion: Victor denies the creature a female companion, deepening the creature's sense of injustice.
Result: The creature becomes resentful, hateful, and murderous.

Justine's wrongful execution: Justine, the servant of the Frankenstein household, is wrongly executed for the murder of William, largely due to her working-class status.
- Confession for absolution: Justine mistakenly confesses to seeking absolution for past sins but regrets it later.
- Bias against the working class: Judges and jury convict her based on her class.

Elizabeth’s horror: Elizabeth is horrified by the injustice Justine faces due to her class.
- Quotations: “Misery has come home, and men appear to be as monsters.” This reflects her horror at the upper class's cruelty.

Victor's silence: Despite knowing the creature is the real killer, Victor says nothing, leading to Justine's execution and highlighting his selfishness and cowardice.
- Quotations: “The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore at my bosom.” This shows his internal struggle and guilt.

Creature’s accusation: The creature accuses Victor of being unjust, highlighting Victor's role in the creature's misery and murderous actions.
- Quotations: “You accuse me of murder, and yet you would destroy… your own creature.” This shows the deep sense of injustice felt by the creature.
- Desire for love: “I desired love and fellowship, and I was still spurned. Was there no injustice in this?” The creature longs for companionship and is rejected.

Creature's vengeance: As a result of the injustices, the creature seeks revenge against Victor and humanity.
- Quotations: “I will revenge my injuries.” This declarative sentence represents the creature's resolve.

Elizabeth's View on Justine’s Treatment: “Misery has come home, and men appear to be as monsters.”
Victor’s Untold Truth: “The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore at my bosom.”
Creature’s Accusation: “You accuse me of murder, and yet you would… destroy your own creature.”
Desire for Fellowship: “I desired love and fellowship, and I was still spurned. Was there no injustice in this?”
Creature’s Vengeance: “I will revenge my injuries.”
Justine’s False Confession: “I did confess, but I confessed a lie. I confess that I might obtain absolution.”
Victor’s Reflection Post-Justine’s Death: “Justine died; she rested; I was alive.”