Final answer:
Mary Shelley's detailed portrayal of Justine in 'Frankenstein' underscores themes of injustice, the consequences of ambition, and societal constructs of guilt and innocence, influenced by Shelley's life and her parents' advocacy for social reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mary Shelley included significant detail about Justine in Frankenstein to underscore themes of injustice, the consequences of playing God, and the complexity of humanity. Justine's character serves as a foil to Victor Frankenstein, illustrating the dire consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral questions that arise when an individual's judgment supersedes the due process of law.
Shelley's portrayal of Justine is deeply entwined with her own experiences and the social issues of her time, drawing attention to the vulnerability and victimization of innocent individuals, particularly women, within the judicial system. Moreover, Justine's character allows Shelley to explore the societal constructs of guilt and innocence in depth, contributing to the rich tapestry of themes in her novel.
Including Justine's detailed story could also reflect Shelley's own life experiences and the influences of her parents, both of whom were social reformers. Her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was an advocate for women's rights, while her father, William Godwin, was known for his political writings. These influences likely inspired Shelley to consider and question social injustices critically, including those faced by women, and imbue her novels with these themes, as exemplified by Justine's plight.