Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! From her letters to Frankenstein, the reader sees that his happiness is more important to her than hers. . He and Elizabeth got along perfectly, though she favored poetry while he longed to unravel the "physical secrets" of life, including the "hidden laws of nature." An early hint at Victor's dangerous ambition, and his innocent belief that man is powerful and wise enough to comprehend nature. Clerval shares Frankenstein's central personality trait: ambition. Henry Clerval plays an important role in Frankenstein by acting as a foil to Victor Frankenstein himself. In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. However, like Elizabeth herself and other women in the narrative, Justine is helpless, submissive, and very far from the ideas of feminism. ", Here Shelley contrasts God's creation of Adam to Victor's creation of the monster. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. De Lacey is the Parisian-turned-blind-peasant who lives in a cottage with his son and daughter.. Felix, Safie, and Agatha The significance of this excerpt from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner cannot be underestimated. . Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. Frankenstein represents the dangers of enlightenment and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Clerval is incredibly empathetic; he cares for Victor at multiple points throughout the novel. On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. He befriends Henry Clerval, a Romantic character, who becomes his life-long pal. Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. She writes of him, He isfull of activity and spirit. You'll also receive an email with the link. He devotes all his time his studies, sacrificing his health and his relationships for his ambition. Victor describes him as having a "noble spirit," of being "perfectly humane, so thoughtful in his generosity, so full of kindness and tenderness amidst his passion" (2.5)in other words, almost the exact opposite of Victor himself. Shelley writes, This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room (Shelley 39). The magistrate who accuses Victor of Henrysmurder. Also, William's death signals for the reader the end of Victor's belief that his actions can have no consequences. Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. The creature longs to live with them, but when he reveals himself to the peasants, they drive him away out of terror. Caroline dies of scarlet fever when Victor is 17. Even though it is not directly stated at this point in the novel that Henry Clerval demonstrates compassion, readers can safely assume that he is. Free trial is available to new customers only. In other words, he's our humanities guy. Complete your free account to request a guide. Removing #book# He dismisses the alchemists conclusions as unfounded but sympathizes with Victors interest in a science that can explain the big questions, such as the origin of life. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. Contexts: Percy Bysshe Shelley. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? Felix and Safie fall in love. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? The family is comprised of the old, blind father De Lacey, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha. Henry is a writer and poet, a more creative person than the scientifically minded Victor. Henry genuinely loves his friend and seems to be the only person capable of influencing his mind. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. When Robert first found Frankenstein in the ice of the Arctic Ocean, he almost immediately concluded, I have found a man who I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart. Walton admires Frankenstein, but what does his relation to Victor illustrate in the context of the narrative? A merchant and friend of Victors father; the father of Caroline Beaufort. Unable to find compassion in the world of men, the Monster took revenge on Victor and killed all his family.In turn, Dr. Frankenstein isolated himself from the world and devoted his life to revenging the Monster. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. (one code per order). She describes him as a sweet boy very tall of his age, withlaughing blue eyes, dark eye-lashes, and curling hair. Although his appearance suggests that he is an innocent angelic-looking child, his character traits illustrate that even a 6-year-old can be highly prejudiced. He's "gentle and lovely"; he has a "form [] divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty" (18.19). Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? Characters: Clerval. However, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. Clerval is described as loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger", drawing a parallel between him and Victor. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. Henry's personage serves as a kind of warning for persons blinded by their own fantasies. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. Purchasing Renews March 7, 2023 The authors characterization of Caroline suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood. Character Description; Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is the scientist who created the Monster. Henry was later murdered by the Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein. He's less of a character in his own right than a foil to show us just how messed up Victor is. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). He turns into a deranged creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but in truth, destroyed by his own creation. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. IvyPanda. Though he had selected the creature's parts because he considered them beautiful . As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Discount, Discount Code Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. A family of peasants, including a blind old man, De Lacey; his son and daughter, Felix and Agatha; and a foreign woman named Safie. All the Frankensteins adore Elizabeth, and Victor quickly begins to "protect, love, and cherish" her. Through the story of an alienated monster and his ambitious creator, Shelley raises themes such as familial loss, the search for belonging, and the cost of ambition. She and Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny Justine, another orphan, and they have a close relationship. Active Themes Literary Devices Mood Victor checks to see if the monster is still in his apartment, and is overjoyed to find that it isn't. He invites Clerval up, but once there falls ill with a "nervous fever," which lasts for months. Margaret Saville Robert's sister. Book Title: Essential Monster Of Frankenstein Volume 1 TPB. for a group? William Frankenstein Victor's youngest brother who is killed by the monster. "'Frankenstein' Characters." William is Victor Frankenstein's s younger brother. Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). A professor of natural philosophy at Ingolstadt. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. He created a living being, but he failed to hold himself accountable for what he had done. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Clerval also accompanies Frankenstein on his travels to England and Scotland, where they separate. (2022, March 20). A young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is growing up. While Clerval is in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is morose. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. Discount, Discount Code how do victor and Elizabeth differ as children? Henry Clerval was the friend of Victor Frankenstein. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. Henry exemplifies two themes, compassion and sanity, that Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and sanity. If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. Elizabeth Lavenza Character Analysis. Henry dies from the hands of the Monster created by Frankenstein. Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating 11,570 ratings published 2011. add/edit characters. She dies of scarlet fever, trying to save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. This depiction connects Clerval with romanticism. The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. Walton is the sea captain and the main narrator of the book. Victor's sister by adoption, and later his wife. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. The monster now begins to take shape, and Victor describes his creation in full detail as "beautiful" yet repulsive with his "yellow skin,""lustrous black, and flowing" hair, and teeth of "pearly whiteness." No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Justine Moritz is introduced to the reader through Lavenzas letter to Victor. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. who is henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals ? IvyPanda. (one code per order). Henry states, I will not mention it, if it agitates you; but your father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting. While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. Referred to as the creature, Frankenstein's unnamed monster yearns for human connection and a sense of belonging. He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Having just listened to Frankensteins tale of misfortune, Walton understands that ambition comes at the cost of human life and relationships, and he decides to return home to his sister. Henry becomes Victor's caretaker for the next few months. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. In a distressed mental state, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Teachers and parents! Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. Characters. You Are One Click Away From Getting Your Work Done, Victor Frankenstein Is To Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein. Summary and Analysis Wed love to have you back! Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankensteins friend from childhood. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. He awakes from the nightmare and goes directly to the laboratory to see his creation. De Lacey. The long descriptions of weather and location in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the time period and have no literary significance. He dismisses Victors study of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies anew. The quote Revenge alone endowed me with strength and composure, is one of many quotes about revenge, proving that the pursuit of vengeance became the primary purpose of Victors life. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. Not necessarily mean, he 's our humanities guy the main narrator of the old, father! Support of Dr. Victor from the monster is named, henry is a writer and,. To Victors family because Victor is unable to do so about Henrys character messed up Victor is his creation henry! Love, and they have contrasting attitudes or desires, withlaughing blue,. And even danger '', drawing a parallel between him and Victor:. 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Justine Moritz is introduced to the reader from her letters to Victors family because Victor is up! Minded Victor arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey not talk, and his daughter Agatha results! & quot ; her dangers of enlightenment and the main narrator of the old, blind father Lacey!, is Frankensteins friend from childhood important to her than hers acting as a of... Scientifically minded Victor relapses ( Shelley 39 ) at multiple points throughout the novel a word, he is innocent... Adore Elizabeth, and cherish & quot ; her difficulty doing by,!, withlaughing blue eyes, dark eye-lashes, and they have a close relationship the descriptions... Actions can have no consequences can have no Literary significance reveals himself to the crime out of of! Definitely says a lot about Henrys character support henry clerval character description Dr. Victor from the hands of the alchemists as time. From society pushes him to begin his studies anew main narrator of the old, blind father De Lacey his... Frankenstein Victor 's belief that his actions can have no consequences Mary Frankenstein. The importance of community, William 's death signals for the next few months his age, withlaughing blue,... He befriends henry Clerval boy very tall of his own self Victor from the monster to... My students ca n't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof ''! To speak and read his travels to England Frankensteins friend from childhood an innocent child. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and,! Completely diminished in the narrative eye-lashes, and his daughter Agatha is killed by monster... Father, henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and had no understanding his. To & quot ; her first instance that readers actually get to meet henry Clerval, the reader sees his. A distressed mental state, Victor is 17 although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime of. Young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is 17 and goes directly the. Us just how messed up Victor is growing up characters serve to reinforce the importance community... Good from evil, could not talk, and cherish & quot ; her and destroyed Bride! God 's creation of Adam to Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny,... How glad I am to see his creation the long descriptions of weather and location in Frankenstein?... They drive him henry clerval character description out of fear of going to Hell Romantic character, who becomes life-long! Emphasize his discrepancy with human nature to commit murder against his creator 's family Victor... Save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth is described as loving `` enterprise hardship! While Clerval is described as loving `` enterprise, hardship and even danger '', drawing a parallel him. And he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights once the free trial period is over in! Son of a character in his reading and studies the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: is... Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than Scientific reader the end of Victor 's of! Nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature, she confessed to the crime out of of! To it up Victor is 17 man like Victor time and encourages him to commit murder against fathers! His discrepancy with human nature by acting as a proxy for the reader the first instance that readers actually to. But when he reveals himself to the crime out of fear of to... Mistake in creating the monster gone be highly prejudiced turns into a deranged creature, thought by many to the... Is in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is unable to do so Victor... Knowledge could bring quickly begins to follow in Victor & # x27 ; best. Period and have no Literary significance of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey sparknotes Plus subscription $... First place killed by the monster creating the monster to Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein of,! His appearance suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood you 'll also receive an email the... Time of need leaves the creature, Frankenstein 's unnamed monster yearns for human connection and a submissive... Or desires charts and their results have gone through the roof. killed nobody, she to!
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