A Monster Within Frankenstein

Introduction

In Mary Shelley's novel, "Frankenstein," the trial and execution of Justine Moritz serve to highlight the inner monster within Victor Frankenstein. This event is not only pivotal in revealing Victor's character but also illustrates the consequences of his actions. Frankenstein's declining health during the winter provided the monster an opportunity to live among society, leading to the framing of Moritz for the murder of William, Victor's younger brother. This clearly characterizes Victor Frankenstein and indicates his state of mind when he encounters Captain Walton amidst the icy waters. As Victor was incapacitated, the monster had ample time to adapt to the environment and perhaps learn to interact with humans. The monster's act of framing Justine Moritz for murder served as a means of revenge against Victor, who had abandoned him. The eighteen-month gap between the monster's creation and William's death gave the creature enough time to retaliate against both Moritz and Frankenstein.

A Monster Within Frankenstein

During the trial and execution of Justine, Shelley utilizes indirect characterization to convey Victor's absence of compassion towards Justine's plight. The creature that Victor creates kills William, yet Justine, his maid, is wrongly accused and condemned to death. Although Victor feels immense guilt and states, "the anguish of the accused did not equal mine...the teeth of remorse tore at my bosom and would not forgo their hold" (Shelley, 1818, p. 67), his actions reveal his self-serving nature. While Victor uses dramatic language to express his concern, his anxiety for himself surpasses the death Justine faces. Shelley uses exaggeration to demonstrate Victor's lack of empathy for Justine. Expressing "the teeth of remorse is holding his bosom" exaggerates the pain he claims to feel. Despite Justine facing execution for a crime she never committed, Victor only recognizes his own suffering and how the trial affects him, doing nothing to defend her. In reality, if he spoke the truth, he could alleviate his guilt, and Justine would not have to die alone and in agony. Victor's true character is revealed by his inaction in safeguarding Justine.

Victor's Selfishness

In Chapter 8 of "Frankenstein," Victor is portrayed as egotistical. Victor is aware that "in an evil hour I subscribed to a lie, and how just and how miserably wretched" (Shelley, 1818, p. 91). He knows Justine is not guilty of the murder, but when she confesses, he understands she is lying. Victor's selfishness is evident because he could reveal the truth and prove Justine's innocence, but he is worried about how others will perceive him. During the trial, he focuses on himself and how the proceedings make him feel conflicted. When Victor visits Justine in prison, he centers the conversation around his feelings about her being condemned, rather than asking Justine how she feels about facing public execution. He speaks to Justine moments before her life will be taken, yet he never inquires about her emotions. Throughout the trial, he is more concerned about people thinking of him as a monster for creating the creature, rather than comforting Justine. He is not worried about Justine's impending execution but only about himself and how others will view him.

The True Trial

It is later in Chapter 8 when we witness the genuine trial taking place. Victor, feeling eternally guilty and more tormented than ever, contemplates his role as the causative factor of such familial disgrace. "During the whole of this wretched mockery of justice I suffered living torture. It was to be decided, whether the result of my curiosity and lawless devices would cause the deaths of two of my fellow beings. One a smiling babe, full of innocence and joy; the other far more dreadfully murdered, with every aggravation of infamy that could make the murder memorable with horror. Justine also was a girl of merit, and possessed qualities which promised to render her life happy; now all was to be obliterated in an ignominious grave; and I the cause!" (Shelley, 1818, p. 95). It is intriguing to note how deeply Victor is affected by this trial, for it is more a trial of his own wrongdoings than it is of Justine's alleged involvement in William's murder. It almost seems as if Victor is more affected than anyone else. Even Justine herself does not appear as miserable as Victor.

The Monster's Adaptation

Frankenstein's poor health throughout the winter gave the monster the opportunity to integrate into society. Additionally, it allowed the framing of Moritz for the murder of William, Victor's brother. This clearly describes Victor's state and the circumstances when he met Captain Walton amidst the freezing waters. As Victor was incapacitated, the monster had ample time to familiarize himself with nature and potentially learn to interact with other people. The act of framing Justine Moritz helped the monster exact revenge on Victor, as he felt abandoned by him. The eighteen-month period between the monster's creation and William's death provided sufficient time for the creature to plan his retribution against both Moritz and Frankenstein.

References:

Shelley, M. (1818). Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones.