the blackest ingratitude
The same noun is employed by Alphonse Frankenstein in the previous chapter
(1.6.11). The word conveys a sense of
obligation and therefore of class difference. Again and again it is
emphasized that Justine has been raised above her rank in life by the
active interest of the Frankenstein household in her welfare. But has she
really altered her condition? Not just the family but the whole of Geneva society condescend to her as
having less than full rights to her supposedly respectable condition. The
ease with which her claims to equity are abrogated implicitly places her
on a par with Victor's Creature, named a wretch and denied the claim of
human sympathy.
- Critical Approaches:
- Themes:
