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How Did Baby William Die in Frankenstein? Complete Study Guide

Baby William’s death is a pivotal turning point in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, setting off a chain of tragic events that drives the novel’s core conflict. For literature students, understanding the circumstances and significance of his death is key to analyzing theme, character motivation, and narrative structure. This guide breaks down the facts, study insights, and practical applications for your assignments.

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Circumstances of William’s Death

William, Victor Frankenstein’s younger brother, is murdered by the Creature Victor abandoned shortly after animating him. The Creature encounters William in a remote, wooded area, initially hoping to connect with the child, who he believes will not judge him for his appearance. When William reacts with fear and insults, the Creature’s anger and loneliness boil over, leading him to kill the boy. The Creature then frames Justine Moritz, the Frankenstein family’s trusted servant, by planting a stolen locket on her.

Narrative Significance of the Death

William’s death is the Creature’s first act of violent revenge against Victor, marking a shift from the Creature’s desperate search for connection to his mission of tormenting his creator. The event also exposes the novel’s central themes: the consequences of unchecked ambition, the harm of societal rejection, and the cycle of violence born from abandonment. For essays, use this event to link Victor’s moral failure to the novel’s tragic outcomes.

Study Structure for Assignments

For class discussions: Prepare three talking points: 1) How the Creature’s motivation for killing William reflects his emotional state; 2) How the framing of Justine amplifies the novel’s critique of judgment; 3) Victor’s quiet guilt in the aftermath. For quizzes: Memorize the basic circumstances, the frame-up of Justine, and the immediate impact on the Frankenstein family. For essays: Use William’s death as a thesis anchor to argue how Victor’s neglect fuels the novel’s tragedy.

Connection to Broader Novel Themes

William’s innocent status makes his death a powerful symbol of the collateral damage of Victor’s selfish choices. His murder also highlights the Creature’s descent from a curious, hopeful being to a vengeful one—directly tied to Victor’s refusal to fulfill his responsibility as a creator. When analyzing this event, tie it to other key moments, like the Creature’s plea for a mate, to show the escalating cycle of harm.

Why did the Creature kill Baby William instead of someone else?

The Creature targeted William because he was Victor’s youngest, most vulnerable family member—an intentional choice to inflict maximum emotional pain on Victor. He also believed a child might be less biased against his appearance, making William’s rejection feel even more personal.

How does William’s death affect Justine Moritz?

The Creature frames Justine for William’s murder, leading to her arrest, trial, and eventual execution. Justine’s death deepens the Frankenstein family’s grief and reinforces the novel’s theme of injustice caused by hasty judgment.

What does William’s death reveal about Victor Frankenstein?

William’s death exposes Victor’s cowardice and moral failure. Instead of taking responsibility for his Creature, Victor hides in guilt, allowing an innocent person to be punished. His inaction shows he values his own reputation over accountability and human life.

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