In Mary Shelley's novel, the accused person is Justine Moritz, a servant in the Frankenstein household who is charged with the murder of William Frankenstein. The trial and subsequent fate of Justine drive one of the most emotionally charged sections of the story, raising questions about justice, prejudice, and the limits of human testimony.
The narrative carefully constructs Justine's condemnation through a combination of circumstantial evidence, biased social assumptions, and the creature's vengeful motivation, making her conviction a pivotal moment in the tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creation.
Trial Evidence And Verdict
Key Evidence Presented
The trial focuses on the locket containing a portrait of Caroline Frankenstein, which is found in Justine's pocket after William's death. The prosecution frames this as proof of theft and hidden guilt, while the defense struggles to counter the assumption that a poor, dependent servant would kill the boy she cared for.
Verdict And Sentencing
The court declares Justine guilty based on the combination of the discovered locket, her nervous demeanor, and the lack of an alibi, resulting in a sentence of death by hanging.
| Character | Role In The Trial | Key Evidence | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justine Moritz | Accused Servant | Portrait locket in her possession | Found guilty, sentenced to death |
| Victor Frankenstein | Silent Observer | Withholds knowledge of the creature's involvement | Emotional paralysis, later guilt |
| Prosecution | State Representative | Port locket as proof of theft and motive | Secures conviction |
| Defense | Court Appointed Advocate | Attempts to question character and situation | Unable to overturn verdict |
Social And Class Bias In The Trial
Prejudice Against The Working Class
Victor notes how Justine's low social status and position as a dependent laborer make her an easy target for condemnation. The assumption that someone without property or family standing could not be innocent pervades the courtroom, shaping both public opinion and the jury's decision.
Gender And Reputation Concerns
Questions about Justine's chastity and obedience are used to portray her as morally suspect, despite her demonstrated piety and loyalty. The trial reflects the era's fear of vulnerable women and the readiness to interpret poverty and submission as signs of corruption.
Creature's Confession And Motivation
Admission Of Responsibility
The creature tells Victor that he murdered William and framed Justine by planting the locket, knowing that her possession of it would seem damning. He admits that his intent was to cause Victor pain by destroying the young boy and then blaming an innocent servant.
Emotional Manipulation And Revenge
The creature uses his knowledge of the family's secrets to control Victor, forcing him to understand how his abandonment and neglect have led to death and injustice. Justine becomes a tool in this psychological battle, representing the collateral damage of Victor's scientific ambition.
Consequences For Victor And The Family
Psychological Guilt And Helplessness
Victor is consumed by guilt because he knows the truth but stays silent, believing that exposing the creature would only make him seem insane. This internal torment isolates him further and erodes his sense of moral responsibility.
Family Disintegration
The execution of Justine deepens the sorrow within the Frankenstein household, particularly for Elizabeth, who feels a sense of personal failure. The family's instability grows as each member processes grief in different ways, setting the stage for future tragedy.
Core Takeaways And Moral Reflection
Understanding what happened to the accused person in Frankenstein highlights the dangers of prejudice, the limits of legal justice, and the cost of secrecy.
- Social class and gender biases heavily influence the fairness of the trial.
- Victor's silence makes him complicit in Justine's death.
- The creature deliberately manipulates the situation to inflict psychological harm on Victor.
- The consequences of the wrongful conviction echo through the family, leading to deeper tragedy.
- Justice is portrayed as fragile when clouded by fear, assumption, and revenge.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why is Justine accused of murder in the first place?
Justine is accused because the locket belonging to William is found in her possession, and the circumstances make her an easy target due to her low social status and role as a household servant.
Does Victor try to help Justine during her trial?
No, Victor stays silent during the trial because he fears being dismissed as insane if he reveals the truth about the creature's involvement in William's death.
What does the creature admit to doing after the trial begins?
The creature admits to murdering William and planting the locket on Justine as an act of revenge against Victor, whom he holds responsible for his own suffering and isolation.
How does Justine's execution affect the rest of the family emotionally?
Her execution intensifies the family's grief and guilt, especially for Elizabeth, and contributes to the emotional breakdown that follows, weakening the family's stability and hope for the future.