Chapter 8

Victor attends Justine’s trial, silently consumed by guilt as circumstantial evidence mounts and Elizabeth pleads for mercy. Despite Justine’s composed defense, the crowd turns against her, and she is condemned. At home, Elizabeth is shattered by news of a coerced confession. They visit Justine in prison, where she recants her false confession and faces death with resignation. The next day she is executed, leaving Victor tormented by remorse and foreboding of further tragedy.