Justice for Ernest

Justice for Ernest: A Short Story by Sydney Hendershot

The tragic tale of the last Frankenstein.

A memoir to Mary Shelley’s most forgotten character- mentioned only thirteen times and given only two lines.

London Times Obituaries: Victor Frankenstein, Killed by his own ambitions while in the company of M- Robert Walton on his voyage to the Arctic.

M- Walton, I am sorry to disturb you at your home. My name is Ernest Frankenstein and I have recently become the sole bearer of my family name, due to the sudden and tragic deaths of my father and brothers. Their passings have left me shocked and quite confused at the turn of events, and my happening upon your obituary for my brother Victor offers more questions than answers. I was not aware of a confirmation of my brother’s death until I read the notice in the papers and I am quite shocked and perplexed. What was my brother doing aboard your ship? To my knowledge, Victor was in Geneva. Please reply. I am desperate for answers.

Sincerely, Ernest Frankenstein

Margaret Saville was quiet as her maid left the parlor after delivering the letter from Mister Ernest Frankenstein. She looked hesitantly over at the novel of papers on her writing desk, the last communication she had received from her brother before his ship had been wrecked in a storm. The manuscript had been frankly shocking to read and she was afraid to share it with anyone. It was for the best that she kept the story to herself. And if she burned the story, no one but herself would ever know the truth about Victor Frankenstein and his horrendous studies.

Margaret collected the papers in her arms, preparing to destroy them for good. She hesitated as she read one of the top-most lines “Yesterday the stranger said to me, ‘I had determined, at one time, that the memory of these evils should die with me; but you have won me to alter my determination”. The secret did not die with the mysterious man her brother met, nor did it end with her brother. It was up to Margaret to keep the story safe and to protect those searching for it. Including the brother, Ernest Frankenstein. Yet, he deserved to know the truth about his family’s death. He was the last remaining Frankenstein and he did not have a clue as to why.

M- Ernest Frankenstein, I apologize for my previous deception of the fate of my brother’s letters. I did receive a story of sorts that told the truth about the tragedy that befell your family although at the time I was hesitant to share it. It is difficult to explain why but I have decided to turn the story into a work of fiction, in hopes to warn those who may someday come in contact with your brothers “ambitions” without causing mass panic. I hope this provides some relief to you. You will find the title under Frankenstein Or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. I do not know if you will believe the story, but I hope the best for you. I will be thinking of you, Ernest, the last of the Frankensteins. Sincerely, Margaret Saville