In Chapter 8 of Frankenstein, Justine is put on trial for the murder of William. How do Justine’s unwarranted confession of guilt, her being found guilty of murdering William, and her being hanged for the murder impact Elizabeth and Victor?

Shockingly, Justine confesses to the murder, and expresses a wish to see Elizabeth, who asks Victor to accompany her. Justine tells them that she confessed to a lie in order to obtain absolution and avoid excommunication in her last moments. She does not fear death, and nobly spends her last moments in comforting Elizabeth and Victor. This only serves to heighten Victor's anguish, and he reflects that Justine and William are the first victims of his "unhallowed arts." Elizabeth is also devastated.