The entire plot is advanced by the death of Zastrozzi’s mother. She “sank early to the tomb” because Verezzi’s father “spurned her from his door,” and Zastrozzi seeks revenge (155).
Verezzi’s death is secured from the beginning of the story; Zastrozzi swears “never to rest until […he] accomplish[es] the purpose of his soul” (70).
Julia’s death is a necessity to Matilda; she tells Zastrozzi she “must destroy Julia” (78).
Verezzi remains with Matilda when he finds her by the river, after her “life fled [after her] desperate act,” attempted suicide (82).
In an attempt to see his beloved, dead Julia, Verezzi attempts to kill himself. He believes he will see Julia in death; he says he will “‘seek [her] unspotted soul’”; he declares he “‘will again clasp [his] lost Julia’” (93).
The plot ends with Zastrozzi’s death, following Julia’s and Verezzi’s (156).
Shelley, Percy B. Zastrozzi and St. Irvyne. Ed. Stephen C. Behrendt.
