The theme of justice in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" Anonymous 12th Grade

Mary Shelley’s gothic novel ‘Frankenstein’, although commonly known as one of the most famous horror novels of all time, evoking issues such as the dangers of scientific experimenting that goes beyond the laws of nature, it also analyses ethical dilemmas concerning the role of punishment and forgiveness in a “just” society. Through both Victor Frankenstein’s and his creature’s reckless actions the novel explores the complexity of attaining justice in its most virtuous form. As well as, it forces us to re-evaluate the principle of “an eye for an eye” used by the creature when seeking justice (or rather revenge) for his creation, isolation and lastly, for the evil nature of man. As Gandhi once said, “An eye for an eye ends up making the whole world blind”.

The novel first addresses the issue of justice through the actions of Victor’s monster. Although the monster views his actions as an adequate and just reaction to the treatment received from his creator, it is clear that these actions do not fall under the term “justice”. As the monster confronts Frankenstein confessing, “You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!”. This quote is...