Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is filled with tragic moments that highlight the destructive consequences of Victor Frankenstein’s ambition. Among these tragedies, the fate of Justine Moritz stands out as one of the most heart-wrenching episodes in the novel. Readers often ask does Justine die in Frankenstein? The answer is yes, but the circumstances surrounding her death are complex and deeply symbolic, showing how innocence can be destroyed by injustice, guilt, and the ripple effects of Victor’s creation. Her story is not just about her death, but also about morality, social judgment, and the failure of justice in the world Shelley portrays.
Who Is Justine Moritz?
Justine Moritz is a household servant for the Frankenstein family in Geneva. More than just a servant, she is loved and respected by the family, particularly by Elizabeth Lavenza, Victor’s adoptive sister. Justine is portrayed as kind, gentle, and virtuous. She represents the idea of innocence and goodness in contrast to the corruption and destruction that begins to unfold as Victor pursues his scientific obsession.
Her role in the novel may seem small compared to Victor, the creature, or even Elizabeth, but her fate highlights one of the darkest consequences of Victor’s decisions. Through her, Shelley emphasizes how the innocent often suffer for the mistakes of others.
The Murder of William Frankenstein
The chain of events that leads to Justine’s death begins with the murder of William Frankenstein, Victor’s youngest brother. The murder is committed by the creature, who feels abandoned, rejected, and filled with rage toward his creator. In killing William, the creature lashes out against Victor, but the consequences fall on someone entirely blameless Justine.
The creature deliberately plants evidence to frame her. William had worn a valuable locket, and the monster places this piece of jewelry on Justine while she is asleep, ensuring that suspicion will fall upon her once the body is discovered. This cruel act sets into motion one of the most unjust episodes in the novel.
The Accusation Against Justine
When William’s body is found, suspicion quickly shifts toward Justine because of the locket discovered in her possession. Despite her pleas of innocence, the circumstantial evidence convinces the townspeople and the court that she must be guilty. The unfairness of the accusation reflects both the rigidity of the justice system at the time and the ease with which women of lower social standing could be condemned.
Elizabeth passionately defends Justine, speaking of her character and kindness. Victor, however, remains silent during much of the trial, even though he knows the truth that the creature he created is the true murderer. His silence is a key factor in sealing Justine’s fate, as he fears revealing the existence of his creation and being branded as mad.
The Trial and Confession
Justine’s trial is a tragic moment in Frankenstein. Despite her calm demeanor and honest testimony, the evidence stacked against her seems too convincing to the judges and jury. Out of fear and pressure, Justine eventually confesses to the crime, even though she is innocent. She explains that she confessed because she was threatened with excommunication from the church and believed it might lessen her punishment. This false confession reflects how powerless she is in the face of societal and religious authority.
Her confession devastates Elizabeth and adds another layer of guilt to Victor’s conscience. The reader is left with a painful sense that justice has not only failed but has actively destroyed an innocent life.
Does Justine Die in Frankenstein?
Yes, Justine is executed for the murder of William Frankenstein, a crime she did not commit. Her death is a turning point in the novel because it solidifies the theme of innocent suffering. She dies with dignity and grace, maintaining her innocence to those closest to her while accepting her fate. The execution of Justine is one of the most powerful moments in the book because it underscores the destructive consequences of Victor’s secrecy and irresponsibility.
Justine’s death, along with William’s, demonstrates that the real victims of Victor’s ambition are not only himself and the creature but also those who surround him. Her story shows that the reach of his mistakes extends far beyond what he ever imagined.
The Symbolism of Justine’s Death
Justine’s execution is more than just a plot point; it is loaded with symbolism and meaning
- Innocence destroyedJustine’s death represents the destruction of innocence by forces beyond one’s control. She embodies purity and goodness, yet she suffers a cruel and undeserved end.
- The failure of justiceHer execution highlights the flaws of the judicial system, where circumstantial evidence and social biases outweigh truth and integrity.
- Victor’s guiltJustine’s fate intensifies Victor’s inner torment. He knows she is innocent, yet he remains silent, which makes him complicit in her death.
- Religious undertonesHer forced confession demonstrates how religious authority can be manipulated to control individuals, even to the point of pushing them into false admissions.
The Impact on Victor Frankenstein
Justine’s death haunts Victor for the rest of the novel. Already grieving for William, Victor becomes overwhelmed with guilt knowing that his secret creation has caused the wrongful death of another innocent. His inability to speak out during Justine’s trial makes him feel morally responsible for her execution.
This guilt contributes to Victor’s downward spiral throughout the rest of the story. It also reinforces the novel’s larger theme that secrecy and pride can have devastating consequences not only for the individual but for everyone around them. By refusing to admit the truth about the creature, Victor allows injustice to claim Justine’s life.
The Creature’s Role in Justine’s Death
Although Victor is guilty of creating the monster, it is important to recognize the creature’s deliberate choice in framing Justine. The monster seeks revenge against Victor, but instead of confronting his creator directly, he targets someone Victor loves. This action shows the creature’s descent into bitterness and cruelty, even as he claims to want understanding and companionship.
In this sense, Justine’s death is not only the result of Victor’s irresponsibility but also of the creature’s calculated malice. Her execution illustrates how the cycle of vengeance spreads outward, harming those who are least deserving of suffering.
Lessons from Justine’s Tragedy
The story of Justine Moritz continues to resonate with readers because it speaks to larger truths about society, justice, and morality. Some lessons that emerge from her tragic fate include
- Innocence is not always enough to protect individuals from injustice.
- Silence in the face of wrongdoing can be as destructive as the crime itself.
- Social and religious pressures can force individuals into making devastating choices.
- The consequences of ambition often extend far beyond the person who pursued it.
So, does Justine die in Frankenstein? Yes, she does, and her death is one of the most tragic injustices in the novel. Wrongly accused of William’s murder, manipulated into a false confession, and abandoned by a justice system that should have protected her, Justine becomes a victim of forces she cannot control. Her execution represents the collapse of truth and fairness, while also intensifying Victor’s guilt and the creature’s vengeance. In the end, Justine’s fate is a chilling reminder of the destructive consequences of secrecy, ambition, and the failure to stand up for what is right.