William Frankenstein Quotes

During the whole of this wretched mockery of justice I suffered living torture. It was to be decided, whether the result of my curiosity and lawless devices would cause the death of two of my fellow-beings: one a smiling babe, full of innocence and joy; the other far more dreadfully murdered, with every aggravation of infamy that could make the murder memorable in horror. Justine also was a girl of merit, and possessed qualities which promised to render her life happy: now all was to be obliterated in an ignominious grave; and I the cause!

– Mary Shelley

Frankenstein, Chapter 8. Victor’s shock and regret as the monster strangles his youngest brother William in order to hurt Victor for abandoning him. And Justine, a young girl adapted by the Frankenstein household, is framed by the monster and condemned to death for the murder.

My own agitation and anguish was extreme during the whole trial. I believed in her innocence; I knew it. Could the daemon, who had (I did not for a minute doubt) murdered my brother, also in his hellish sport have betrayed the innocent to death and ignominy? I could not sustain the horror of my situation; and when I perceived that the popular voice, and the countenances of the judges, had already condemned my unhappy victim, I rushed out of the court in agony. The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom, and would not forego their hold.

– Mary Shelley

Frankenstein, Chapter 8. Victor is deeply affected by the trial of the innocent Justine for his brother William’s murder. He is filled with remorse over how his own deeds cause two of his family to face death. It seems to be more of a trial for Victor and his own evils.

“As I fixed my eyes on the child, I saw something glittering on his breast. I took it; it was a portrait of a most lovely woman. In spite of my malignity, it softened and attracted me. For a few moments I gazed with delight on her dark eyes, fringed by deep lashes, and her lovely lips; but presently my rage returned; I remembered that I was forever deprived of the delights that such beautiful creatures could bestow and that she whose resemblance I contemplated would, in regarding me, have changed that air of divine benignity to one expressive of disgust and affright.”

– Mary Shelley

Frankenstein, Chapter 16. The monster after killing the boy William, finds a picture of the lovely Caroline Frankenstein adorning his breast. Because of his own ugliness he cannot enjoy the delights such beautiful creatures could bestow on him and must remain an outcast.
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