“ I do not fear to die.”
This emphasises that Justine is not scared of Death however it shows that the wrong person will die because of Frankenstein’s mistake.
Mary Shelley also shows that Justine is confident that justice will be served and that she will be proved innocent. For example,
“God knows how entirely I am innocent”
This creates the impression that justice is important in this novel and also that Justine believes in justice.
Mary Shelley shows Elizabeth’s character to be very caring and understanding.
For example when Elizabeth and Victor go to visit Justine just before she is about to die. She shows understanding and care.
“Rise my poor girl why do you kneel if you are innocent”
Which makes the reader truly feel sorry for Justine and also be comforted by Elizabeth as she really loves Justine and she supports her in every way. She believes in Justine’s innocence.
The writer shows Elizabeth strong belief in justice and that the right thing will be done, and that Justine will be saved and whoever killed William will be punished.
For example this is shown when Elizabeth begins to doubt her religion when the verdict had been delivered.
“Alas! How shall I ever believe in human goodness?”
Mary Shelley keeps the reader’s interest within this chapter by reveling the plot slowly. She also uses short sentences to get the readers attention. For example when the trial begins a short sentence is used to show something important is about to happen.
“The trial began.”
This emphasises that it is important part in the chapter and also that anything during the trial could happen.
Mary Shelley also uses a strong contrast in the language used. The writer uses positive and negative images. For example Frankenstein describes things very negatively and describes Justine positively.
“ During the whole of this wretched mockery of justice.”
“ Her countenance, always engaging was rendered by the solemnity of her feelings, exquisitely beautiful.”
This shows that there is a strong contrast in the mood and tone of the chapter.
Mary Shelley also uses the word I a lot throughout this chapter. This reminds the reader of the narrative and also that Frankenstein is full of guilt as his feelings are clearly shown a lot through this chapter. For instance when Frankenstein goes with Elizabeth to Justine’s final visit. Frankenstein is relying on justice.
“Oh Justine why did you rob me of my last consolation? I relied on your innocence.”
This emphasises Frankenstein’s guilt and his feelings at this time. He should be hanged not Justine as she is innocent and he has created this Creature and released it upon the world.
Justice and the injustice of justice are a strong theme through this chapter. Belief in Justice is shown through the characters and the writer shows her distrust in Justice by delivering the wrong verdict.
Mary Shelley shows that Justine believes in Justice however Justice does not prevail and she will be hanged. She asks Elizabeth if she believed her, as Justine needs this comfort as she sees herself as evil and Elizabeth knows this is not true. For example
“Do you also believe that I am so wicked?”
This shows that being put through this ordeal has changed Justine’s way of thinking she doubts herself. However Elizabeth believes in her and this is important.
The writer however allows Frankenstein to take a back seat in this chapter, as he doesn’t say anything during Justine’s last Visit. For example his narrative inform the reader that he stayed silent during the visit.
“I could not answer.”
This emphasiese Frankenstein’s guilt and also that he is not himself he is full of regret and sadness. He cannot believe Justine will die for his mistake and also that someone else will die for him.
Mary Shelley shows that she did not believe in Justice at this time as she allows the wrong verdict to be announced within her book. This shows that at the time the book was written the Justice system wasn’t as reliable as it maybe today.