How does Victor describe William and Justine collectively?
In Mary Shelley’s classic novel “Frankenstein,” the characters of William and Justine play significant roles in shaping the narrative and highlighting the themes of innocence, guilt, and the consequences of one’s actions. Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist and creator of the monster, describes William and Justine collectively as innocent souls who become entangled in the tragic web of his creation. Their collective portrayal serves to underscore the broader implications of the novel’s central themes and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters.
William, a young and kind-hearted boy, is the first to die as a result of the monster’s actions. Victor describes him as “a creature of gentle disposition, whose tender heart was touched by every form of suffering.” This description emphasizes William’s innocence and his inability to comprehend the horror that surrounds him. His death is a poignant reminder of the innocent lives that are needlessly destroyed by the monster’s malevolence.
Justine, on the other hand, is a young woman who is falsely accused of murder. Victor describes her as “a being of angelic beauty and virtue,” who is unjustly punished for a crime she did not commit. Her character serves as a symbol of innocence and the innocent victims who suffer at the hands of a flawed judicial system. Victor’s collective description of William and Justine highlights the theme of innocence, as both characters are portrayed as blameless and undeserving of their tragic fates.
Furthermore, the collective portrayal of William and Justine underscores the theme of guilt. Victor himself feels immense guilt for creating the monster, which ultimately leads to the deaths of William and Justine. He acknowledges his role in their suffering, writing, “I had been the author of unalterable evils; and I lived in daily fear, lest the monster whom I had created should perpetrate some new wickedness.” This admission of guilt reflects the broader moral responsibility that Victor feels for the consequences of his actions.
The collective description of William and Justine also serves to emphasize the theme of consequences. Victor’s creation of the monster has far-reaching effects, not only on his own life but also on the lives of those around him. The deaths of William and Justine are a direct result of the monster’s actions, and Victor is haunted by the knowledge that he is partially responsible for their fates. This collective portrayal serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that stem from one’s actions and the moral responsibility that comes with them.
In conclusion, Victor’s description of William and Justine collectively in “Frankenstein” serves to highlight the themes of innocence, guilt, and consequences. Their innocent characters are tragically entangled in the narrative, serving as poignant reminders of the moral dilemmas and the far-reaching effects of one’s actions. Through their collective portrayal, Mary Shelley underscores the importance of considering the ethical implications of our choices and the potential consequences that may arise from them.
