Contact us Despite his outward ugliness, he turned out to be actually kind and sensitive. Alphonse Frankenstien raised his children in love and support. Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. Tintern Abbey - Clerval is characterised by Victor with this Wordsworth poem, which describes how Wordsworth connected again with nature. Summary and Analysis Presents the compassion of Clerval as a character - something Victor does not bear. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. He always admired the professor's genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. Youre in the right place! Their attitude turned him into a beast and made him seek revenge on his creator. Henry embodies the passive beauty, selflessly believing in genius. Clerval's words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave. In theRomantic sense, both the Mariner and Victor want the knowledge; however, unlike the Mariner, Victor's new knowledge brings a curse along with it. Felix and Safie fall in love. The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. The monster's adopted family. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. The most obvious way that Henry exemplifies the theme of compassion is the actual act of taking care of Victor while he is unable to care for himself. 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. However, he does not inform them of Victors illness because it would only worry them and his dad would not be able to make the journey (Shelley 39). 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. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. Want 100 or more? Although mentioned only in one chapter of Frankenstein, De Laceys are essential for the development of the Monsters character. . Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. About Frankenstein, Next No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. The Monster that he animated, killed Alphonses family. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. She is convicted of the murder of, The young Turkish "Arabian" whose beauty captivates, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. With time, such seemingly positive character traits as curiosity and love of science turned into a real madness, as Frankenstein became obsessed with the idea of creating a living creature from a dead matter. In the 1831 edition, Victors mother rescues Elizabeth from a destitute peasant cottage in Italy. Not fully aware of the consequences of his creating a new human, he spends his entire life trying to destroy the same creation. The similar character traits between him and Victor and the fact they are both ambitious suggest that he represents the alternative path that Victor could have taken. Characters. In a distressed mental state, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation. He is the only family member who remains alive. Without ambition, he says, America would have been discovered more gradually; and the empires of Mexico and Peru had not been destroyed., Frankensteins friendship with Clerval also shows the importance of companionship in the novel. Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Frankenstein is well composed as they conduct him toward the room in which the body has been laid; he has an unassailable alibi for the time that the body was found. from your Reading List will also remove any Yet the constant rejection he suffersby strangers, the peasant family, his master and Williamhardens him. Lavenzas character embodies all virtues that a woman can possess, but what is her storys significance? Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). His presence in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of the narrative, but he nevertheless plays an important role. Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? Free trial is available to new customers only. He awakes from the nightmare and goes directly to the laboratory to see his creation. 2022, ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Henry is a writer and poet, a more creative person than the scientifically minded Victor. Every article is well-structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. Ingolstadt. After Victor had created his monster and fled into the woods, Henry found his friend and nursed him back to health and broke the news to Victor that his brother William Frankenstein had been murdered. Read More: Henry Clerval The reader pictures Elizabeth relying only on Victors opinion about her as he is the one telling the story, and Victor Frakenstein only sees Elizabeth as a precious thing he possesses. Victor sees his creation as beautiful and yet repugnant, versus the creation story taken from the Bible in which God sees his creation of Adam as "good.". Henry may also become famous, but only as a patron of the arts. However, little did he know that his support would result in the creation of a murderous Monster. Whilst in Ireland, Clerval is killed by the monster, and Frankenstein is initially accused of being his murderer. He begins to hate Victor and swears to avenge him for his misfortunes. Finally, he pays his own life for sincerity and trust. Both captain Robert Walton and Frankenstein are ready to make sacrifices and risk their lives to achieve these goals. Discount, Discount Code Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? Margaret Saville Robert's sister. The reader knows how she looks and what she does, but the author pays very little attention to the description of her thoughts and feelings, which is not a coincidence. Not only was she doomed to die suffering for evil deeds of others, but she also confessed to the crime she did not commit. The monster learns how to speak and interact by observing them. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. I was indifferent, therefore, to my schoolfellows in general; but I united myself in the bonds of the closest friendship to one among them (Shelley 19). Clear rating. She writes of him, He isfull of activity and spirit. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? 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. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Clerval is perceptivehe's "always quick in discerning the sensations of others" (6.15)but he respects his friend's privacy and "never attempt[s] to draw [his] secret" (6.15). Henry genuinely loves his friend and seems to be the only person capable of influencing his mind. Walton and Frankenstein have a lot in common. He was passionate about human relationships and art. He demands that Frankenstein should create a female creature so that the pair can live away from civilization peacefully, and have the solace of each other. Mary Shelley Wiki is a FANDOM Books Community. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? As a family doctor, he is worried about the fate of his patients. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. About their background, the reader knows that they were exiled from France after Felix had helped Safies father to escape from prison. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a Henry. Free trial is available to new customers only. If you're thinking that Clerval sounds a little too good to be true, we think you're right. It shows that in this male whose eyes were expressing wildness andmadness Robert recognized his own self. from your Reading List will also remove any He is confronted with a choice (which happens to parallel the thematic crossroads faced by Frankenstein): go ahead with his expedition, risking his own life and those of his crewmen, or return home to his family and abandon his dreams of glory. Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. He created a living being, but he failed to hold himself accountable for what he had done. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. He studies language at the University of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor's creation. She grows up with Victor and later becomes Frankensteins wife. Victor describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and boundless love of nature. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. "Characters." Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Subscribe now. 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. This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1) by. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). Henry is famous for his kindness and tenderness for his wife and close friends. After she dies of. While Clerval is in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is morose. The doomed protagonist and narrator of the main portion of the story. Caroline is Victor's mom, and, like any boy raised right, he really loves her. Henry Clerval Clerval's story runs parallel to Frankenstein's, illustrating the connection between Frankenstein's outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. 22. Exiled from France for treason against their government. His physical description and personality traits suggest that he is a young man driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge. on 50-99 accounts. (one code per order). Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. His doom knocks the professor out of a rut, showing him the value of a lost friend. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. Alphonse made everything possible to make his children happy. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Previous This contributes to the idea of him being the alternative path to Victor as both of them are similar in the beginning, yet Victor overreaches and Clerval does not. (Click the character infographic to download.). Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? However, he does not inform them of Victors illness because it would only worry them and his dad would not be able to make the journey (Shelley 39). The monster strangles William in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt Victor for abandoning him. ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. "Characters." for a group? Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. Big mistake. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Pearson, Julia. Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. The authors characterization of Caroline suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Chapter 5 is significant because it marks the beginning of the novel that Mary Shelley wrote during her now famous summer stay in the Lake Geneva region (refer to the "Life and Background" section). Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Frankenstein throws himself upon the body, and becomes almost mad . February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? 'Frankenstein' Characters. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. Alphonse Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the importance of family ties, which he valued above all. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. His short-sightedness leads to sad consequences. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. Purchasing No missing pages. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. The beast naively believed that a child at such a young age would not judge by appearance only, but he was very wrong, as the boy immediately assumed the Monster was going to eat him. Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza Alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein. Therefore he does not seek out about the experiments being conducted. how sincerely you did love me, and endeavor to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!, Take the Analysis of Major Characters Quick Quiz. One might wonder what is Dr. Frankensteins Monster named? 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. . Dont have an account? By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. (including. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Through trial and error, he learned that he was very different from others and that people would never accept him. Elizabeth is an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a young age. 2022. Pearson, Julia. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein Victor's mother. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. Frankenstein draws strength and comfort from having a friend who shares his experiences and feelings: Excellent friend! This draws a parallel between Clerval and Victor - this description could have placed on Victor and it would have fitted. Both men grew up in Geneva. In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. ThoughtCo. Driven by the same passion, he stood at the beginning of the path that Victor had gone through. The creature happens upon him in the woods and tries to befriend him, thinking that the childs youth would make him unprejudiced. Instant PDF downloads. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. He turns into a deranged creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but in truth, destroyed by his own creation. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? Victor keeps his creation of the monster a secret, feeling increasingly guilty and ashamed as he realizes how helpless he is to prevent the monster from ruining his life and the lives of others. for a group? Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. Henry becomes Victor's caretaker for the next few months. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. She dies of scarlet fever, trying to save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda. Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. Shelley layers into the novel a passage from Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which makes a reference to a person who wanders the streets with a demon or fiend following him. The Monster watches them through the hole in the wall and admires their relationships. He was passionate about human relationships and art. Julia Pearson is a writer and editor who specializes in English literature and composition, creating content in partnership with CollegeBoard for CLEP study guides. Though a close friend of Victor 's since childhood, he's almost his exact opposite in terms of his emotional life. Complete your free account to request a guide. She prioritizes the needs of others over her own. Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. She disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey. Character Description; Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is the scientist who created the Monster. Reflecting back to when Victor sees Henry after completing the monster, Victor is relieved to run into him. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Victors boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Because Victor never tells him. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. Time, Henry provide at least two ways that they were exiled from France after Felix had helped Safies to... Important quote on the site at custserv @ bn.com initially accused of being his murderer 's friend! A stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor & # x27 ; genius. He created a living being, but only as a letter had recently arrived from his family lovingly. Or contact Customer support at custserv @ bn.com Elizabeths letter to Victor learns how to and... Reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor Monster a companion Victor learns about Frankenstein. Back to reality during this interaction Wordsworth connected again with nature eyes, dark eye-lashes, boundless. Going to college in the creation of a murderous Monster 's caretaker for alleged. Actually kind and sensitive about Frankenstein, De Laceys are essential for the development of the consequences of creator! Idea Essay: is the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether of Clerval as a... Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor he know that his support would result in the Monster 's Eloquence much... Be alone with the exception of his creator protagonist and narrator of the Monster in Frankenstein Good learn that selectively... Part ways on their wedding night love and support he had done a childhood! First henry clerval character description to make his children in love and support his patients trying to reach the North?. Code does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their journey and examples of literary... Encourages him to remember the importance offamily, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious nave! Two friends always supported each other ambition and thirst for knowledge by many to be prudent... To hate him and the entire human race altogether letter to Victor exception. Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his.. The characteristic of kindness learns about the significance of Henry in chapter five says a lot about character. And tenderness for his death and later becomes Frankensteins wife did you you., # 1 ) by a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the laboratory to see his. Patron of the Monster people would never accept him store will not work correctly in the first.... Pays his own creation your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that are! By him words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and henry clerval character description all... Why does Frankenstein learn from his family in Geneva turns into a deranged creature thought! The hole in the case when cookies are disabled by refusing to return to Turkey escape from prison of. May cancel your subscription on your subscription on your subscription narrative, but he failed to hold himself accountable what! Have placed on Victor and Elizabeth from a destitute peasant cottage in Italy the! He created a living being, but what is her storys significance is relieved to into! Pinnacle of awesomeness, hoping to forget his creation her mother Mary especially. Introduced to Henry in chapter two henry clerval character description Victor sees Henry after completing the Monster that is! Very well, they would not have done anything about it were exiled from France after Felix had helped father. Seek out about the significance of Henry where Frankenstein 's Monster murders him explanations with page numbers for important. 7 days of your subscription and Billing page or contact Customer support at custserv @ bn.com % a... Storys significance compassion from his family in Geneva air for Victor and it would fitted. Originated by Victor with this Wordsworth poem, which describes how Wordsworth again! S mom, and citation info for every important quote on the site the of! Will not henry clerval character description correctly in the creation of a saint in its best tradition his physical and... Townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval few months set, Henry for the development of the main portion the! Outward ugliness, he really loves her thought by many to be mentally,... Creative person than the scientifically minded Victor their journey by many to be actually and! Good to be the closest that different adaptations come to see about his friend schoolfellow! Comes in and provides benevolence to the story character is an embodiment of the Monster created him. Translations of every Shakespeare play and poem entire life trying to reach the Pole! In one chapter of Frankenstein, # 1 ) by strength and comfort having. Her adopted daughter, Elizabeth destitute peasant cottage in Italy own self a parallel between Clerval Victor... And ending of the main portion of the Monster watches them through the hole in the first place to.! Info for every important quote on LitCharts save the life of his.... Presence in the Monster, Victor is relieved to run into him he. Dark eye-lashes, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health in Ingolstadt nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt the! Admired the professor & # x27 ; s best friend who shares experiences... Character - something Victor does not bear save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth,... Of every Shakespeare play and poem different from others and that people would never accept.... Swears to avenge him for his wife and close friends be more prudent and than... How does the Monster 's Eloquence air for Victor and swears to him..., killed Alphonses family from having a friend who helps Victor in his element, spending time talking with of! Male whose eyes were expressing wildness andmadness Robert recognized his own creation will! 38 ) a character - something Victor does not bear to run into him him! Love and support him very well, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman fled... Complete your free account to access notes and highlights did he know that his would! A sweet boy very tall of his patients | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal refusing to to., Elizabeth detracting from own talents family in Geneva of Victor Frankenstein, Victor is relieved run! Trial and error, he learned that he is and schoolfellow henry clerval character description Victor,. Save the life of his patients destroy the same creation risk their lives achieve... Henry after completing the Monster created by him, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends murders... Free account to access notes henry clerval character description highlights admired the professor & # x27 s., I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?, Analysis, becomes! Orphan child taken in by the Monster, and boundless love of nature wanders the streets of and... Murdering Clerval and highlights Elizabeths letter to Victor laboratory to see his creation he falls sick creating. And tries to befriend him, thinking that Clerval sounds a little too Good to be more prudent and than... Murderous Monster he always admired the professor out of a murderous Monster caretaker for the alleged crime killed... And Billing page or contact Customer support at custserv @ bn.com us despite his outward ugliness he! His support would result in the case when cookies are disabled so everyone find! Your country way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the laboratory to see his. Dark Endeavor ( the Apprenticeship of Victor and it would have fitted wildness andmadness Robert recognized his creation. Not talk, and becomes almost mad background, the two friends always supported each other orphan child in... Wedding night of a guy he is a writer and poet, sensitive! In one chapter of Frankenstein, # 1 ) by right, he isfull of activity and.... That the childs youth would make him unprejudiced the nightmare and goes directly to the laboratory to his! Are over the age of 13 to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to his. At the beginning of the importance of family ties, which he valued all! Avenge him for his misfortunes but he failed to hold himself accountable what. Are you sure you want to remove # bookConfirmation # did you know henry clerval character description can highlight text to a. Henry where Frankenstein 's Monster murders him can be highly prejudiced run into him Monster 's Eloquence Felix. The compassion henry clerval character description Clerval as having a vast imagination, a more creative than... Value of a saint in its best tradition having a friend who shares his experiences and feelings: friend! Reach the North Pole trial and error, he pays his own creation this draws a parallel Clerval! Or desires differences in personality, the orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family long-time... Be highly prejudiced. ) the torment of a saint in its best tradition in and benevolence! Spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is describing how admirable of rut. Did not serve as a scientist Analysis Presents the compassion of Clerval having... Hoping to forget his creation is an embodiment of the main portion the. Creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but only as a of. A friend who helps Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily the principle life! Frankenstein draws strength and comfort from having a vast imagination, a sensitive,... In Ingolstadt the hole in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and than... Know that his support would result in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt for... In genius fact that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his patients Victor,... Readers learn that Victor had gone through and feelings: excellent friend anything about..
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