by Mary Shelley
chaps 13-24
Another common motif in this novel is one that deals with innocence and injustice. We saw in chapter 8 the trial of Justine, who was sentenced to death as a murderer even though she was absolutely innocent. In chapter 21, we see a similar trial- Victor is charged with the murder of his best friend Henry Clerval. Similarly, Victor is innocent of the crime, but less so than Justine was. Both technically confessed to the crime, but Victor's confession had some merit. "Have my murderous machinations deprived you also, my dearest Henry, of life? Two I have already destroyed; other victims await their destiny: but you, Clerval, my friend, my benefactor-" (Shelley, 129). Victor is confessing his guilt, but his guilt in creating the monster that murdered his friends. The creation was Victor's doing, so he had a part in the murder. But unlike the innocent Justine who falsely confessed in hopes of getting a lighter sentence, Victor was proven innocent and released. Mr. Kirwin gathered witnesses to back up Victor's alibi, and he also took care of Victor in jail. Victor feels guilty, but is released. Justine was innocent, but suffered a terrible injustice. This imperfect pairing elicits pity for the innocent and reveals certain character traits, such as honesty and purity, but also reveals a connection to life as whole- injustice is not uncommon, even when the life of an innocent is on the line.
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