An Analysis of
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Volume 1 - Chapter 7
An Analysis of Chapter 8
Tone
Tragic, Grim, Anguished, And Despairing.
Basic Stats
Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Heart-pounding - (5) | Clear - (4) | Explosive - (5) | A little - (2) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Justine Moritz stands trial for the murder of young William Frankenstein. Despite protesting her innocence, overwhelming circumstantial evidence and a forced confession seal her fate. Victor knows she is innocent but cannot save her. Elizabeth defends Justine's character, but to no avail. Justine is condemned, and Victor is tormented by guilt, knowing the real murderer is his own creation.
In more detail...
The chapter centers on the trial of Justine Moritz, accused of murdering William Frankenstein. Victor, tortured by guilt, attends the proceedings with his family, knowing that Justine is innocent and that the true murderer is his own created Creature. The court is swayed by damning circumstantial evidence, including Justine's unexplained possession of a picture belonging to William, and her confused behavior the night of the murder. Justine defends her innocence, providing an alibi and heartfelt explanations, but she cannot account for the picture. Elizabeth bravely testifies to Justine's good nature and loving relationship with William, but public sentiment has already turned against her. Victor is overwhelmed by remorse, certain that the Creature has manipulated events to frame Justine. After a sleepless, anguished night, Victor returns to learn Justine has been found guilty and has even confessed-driven by threats from her confessor rather than true guilt. Victor and Elizabeth visit Justine in prison, where she confesses her innocence and her false confession, comforting her friends as she faces her execution with resignation. The chapter ends with Elizabeth somewhat comforted by her continued faith in Justine's innocence, while Victor despairs, feeling responsible for the tragic outcome.
Characters
- Victor Frankenstein
- About - Narrator, tortured by guilt over the murder of his brother and now the impending execution of Justine, whom he knows to be innocent. Incapable of confessing the truth without appearing mad, he is paralyzed and wracked with internal anguish.
- Personality Traits - Guilt-ridden, anxious, morally conflicted, self-recriminating, passive (in action)
- Physical Characteristics - No new physical description in this chapter; previously described as pale, agitated, exhausted by grief.
- Character Connections
- Justine Moritz - Knows she is innocent and rationalizes her fate as a consequence of his own actions in creating the Creature.
- Elizabeth Lavenza - His beloved cousin and fiancée; he empathizes with her emotional torment and admires her compassion.
- William Frankenstein - His younger brother; recently murdered, indirectly by Victor's creation.
- Justine Moritz
- About - A beloved servant of the Frankenstein family, accused of William's murder. Stands trial, maintaining her innocence, but unable to explain the incriminating evidence. After being condemned, confesses falsely under pressure from religious authorities and faces her fate with resignation.
- Personality Traits - Dignified, innocent, resigned, courageous, self-sacrificing
- Physical Characteristics - Described as 'engaging,' made more beautiful by solemnity, seen in mourning, tranquil but deeply distressed.
- Character Connections
- Victor Frankenstein - Familial bond as a trusted servant; he knows she is innocent.
- Elizabeth Lavenza - Trusted friend, acts almost as a sister.
- William Frankenstein - Loved him as a child in her care; falsely accused of his murder.
- Elizabeth Lavenza
- About - Victor's cousin and fiancée. Defends Justine in court, speaks passionately for her innocence, and is devastated by the guilty verdict. Later visits Justine in prison with Victor, demonstrating empathy and loyalty.
- Personality Traits - Compassionate, loyal, courageous, sympathetic, moral
- Physical Characteristics - No new description in this chapter; previously depicted as beautiful, mild, gentle.
- Character Connections
- Victor Frankenstein - Cousin and beloved; shares grief and attempts to comfort each other.
- Justine Moritz - Friend and confidante; championed her innocence.
- William Frankenstein - Acts as a sister figure; mourns his death deeply.