Despite the creature's grotesque exterior, however, he is largely a compassionate character. . and any corresponding bookmarks? Clerval is described as loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger", drawing a parallel between him and Victor. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a Henry. Exiled from France for treason against their government. from your Reading List will also remove any This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. Victor falls in an uncontrollable attack of exhaustion and stress. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. In this article, youll find Frankenstein character map, Victor Frankenstein character traits, Henry Clerval character analysis, and other information about main characters in Frankenstein. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence = (Shelley 39). Eventually Victor and Elizabeth marry. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. De Lacey. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. for a customized plan. Thus, the creature is a complicated antagonisthe is a murderer and a monster, but he began his life as a compassionate, misunderstood soul searching for love. (2022, March 20). Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. Need Custom Character Analysis Sample With Quotes or Maybe Help With Editing? 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. 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. The Gothic elements that can be found in this chapter are the grotesque (description of the monster's features), the eerie environment (Victor's lab at 1 a.m.), the undead quality, and some type of psychic communication (Victor's feeling of being followed). Chapter 5. He's less of a character in his own right than a foil to show us just how messed up Victor is. She prioritizes the needs of others over her own. SparkNotes PLUS Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. Summary and Analysis Chapter 5. Frankenstein says that Clerval is his dearest friend, which shows that as well as being ambitious himself, Frankenstein admires ambition in other people. Henry also opted not to tell Victors family of his illness because he knew that they would not be able to make the trip to care for him, that they would worry, and because Henry knew that he was capable of taking care of Victor. He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Clervals story runs parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. His cheerfulness counters Victor's moroseness. 2022. 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). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. He's "gentle and lovely"; he has a "form [] divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty" (18.19). Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. Henry embodies the passive beauty, selflessly believing in genius. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. The priest convinced her that if she did not confess, she would go to Hell, but what religion on Earth would punish an innocent creature for something she did not do? In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? 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. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. And if Victor really loves the guy so much, then why were we a lot sadder when we saw the monster crying over Victor's body, than when Victor sees Henry's drowned and bloated corpse? Active Themes He worships passion and talent because he is not capable of strong feelings. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Sometimes it can end up there. Please wait while we process your payment. Their attitude turned him into a beast and made him seek revenge on his creator. Alphonse made everything possible to make his children happy. Victor describes his perfect childhood. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. Felix and Safie fall in love. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. He is fascinated with science. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend and a positive character. The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. This would have to be frustrating. Henry is famous for his kindness and tenderness for his wife and close friends. Henry was later murdered by the Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein. 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. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. Both men grew up in Geneva. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. 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. Excited and disgusted at "the monster " he had created, he runs from the apartment. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. Henry becomes Victor's caretaker for the next few months. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. He studies language at . They both grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. Studying in Ingolstadt, Victor discovers the secret of life and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster, from whom he recoils in horror. 2022, ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. Julia Pearson is a writer and editor who specializes in English literature and composition, creating content in partnership with CollegeBoard for CLEP study guides. (2022, March 20). for a group? Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Release Year: 2004. Victors friend. Free trial is available to new customers only. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. It is noteworthy that the creature Frankenstein managed to animate through a mysterious chemical experiment does not have a name. Henry Clerval becomes his foil: a joyous, curious, yet ambitious individual poised to venture on an scholarly adventure analogous to Frankenstein's. These differing personalities reveal a subtle disconnect in their friendship . Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. for a group? Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? ", Here Shelley contrasts God's creation of Adam to Victor's creation of the monster. Victor states, It was my temper to avoid a crowd, and to attach myself fervently to a few. Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Discount, Discount Code 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! Read More: Robert Walton: Walton is the Arctic explorer whose letters to his sister open and close the novel. He kills Frankensteins brother William. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1) by. Justine Moritz is a servant girl who lived with Frankensteins after her mother rejected her. He dies alone, searching for the monster, and expresses to Captain Walton the necessity of sacrifice for a greater good. He always admired the professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the abandoned child in the novel, which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment. 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. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, characters must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection. After she dies of. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein 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 - "His wild and enthusiastic imagination was chastened by the sensibility of his heart". William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Victors youngest brother and the darling of the Frankenstein family. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? IvyPanda. Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Characters. He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? As mentioned before, Henry serves as Victors foil character. De Lacey is the Parisian-turned-blind-peasant who lives in a cottage with his son and daughter.. Felix, Safie, and Agatha Offended by the professor, Frankenstein kills the scientist's brother named, taking revenge for his humiliation. Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. He encouraged Victors occupation with science, wishing the best future for his son. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? The family is comprised of the old, blind father De Lacey, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha. At the beginning of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature. He nurses him when Victor is ill, supports him when he is lost, and accompanies him to England. As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. Study Aids. While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. bookmarked pages associated with this title. What is the function of Clerval in the novel? Presents the compassion of Clerval as a character - something Victor does not bear. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. Henry had come to see about his friend and . Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. Robert writes to her detailing the events that transpire on the voyage and Victor's story. Henry is compassionate, optimistic, and had a love for reading and literature. https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 (accessed March 1, 2023). After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. Henry Clerval In Percy Bysshe Shelley's first major poem, Queen Mab , the male friend (and author-surrogate) who awaits the dreaming Ianthe's awakening is named Henry. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. "The human frame could no longer support the agonizing suffering that I endured, and I was carried out of the room in strong convulsions," he recounts of his despair at seeing Henry's corpse, making an explicit link between psychological torment and physical infirmity. 22. A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. You'll also receive an email with the link. Despite her lowly background, the family loved and respected Justine. I had rather be with you in your solitary rambles, than with these Scotch people whom I do not know; hasten the, my dear friend, to return, that I may again feel myself somewhat at home, which I cannot do in your absence. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. Contexts: Percy Bysshe Shelley. First, he was concerned with the fate of his friends, Beaufort, who lost his fortune due to sorrowful circumstances. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Edge Reading, Writing and Language: Level C, David W. Moore, Deborah Short, Michael W. Smith, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. This character plays a minor role in the book. He studies language at the University of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor's creation. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. Caroline is Victor's mom, and, like any boy raised right, he really loves her. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. Victor describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and boundless love of nature. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. A family of peasants, including a blind old man, De Lacey; his son and daughter, Felix and Agatha; and a foreign woman named Safie. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Elizabeth embodies the novels motif of passive women, as she waits patiently for Victors attention. Later, Justine was falsely accused of Williams murder and executed. Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Frankenstein character analysis: Academia, Frankenstein Reflects the Hopes and Fears of Every Scientific Era: The Atlantic, Character and Characterization: Kansas State University. Occasionally, Victor, in his delirium, talks about the monster, causing Henry to think that the stress is causing him to be incoherent. 4 appearance(s) of Henry Clerval (Earth . Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? The creature happens upon him in the woods and tries to befriend him, thinking that the childs youth would make him unprejudiced. Want 100 or more? Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. You can view our. Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. Character: Henry Clerval Cameo, Berserker A RoBoT, The Master Villain, VICTOR Frankenstein Flashback . During his journey to the North Pole, Robert writes letters to his sister. How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting! We utilize security vendors that protect and https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. Frankenstein suggests a parallel between Clervals discovery and his own creation of the Monster when he argues that colonialism is the work of ambitious men like him. 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. That you should be Here at the very moment of my alighting not knowing him very,... Is comprised of the novel ambition and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may superior. The Bride of Frankenstein was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive.! The primary example of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous.! End of the Frankenstein family highly sane advice that Victor should write to his sister open and close novel! Capable of strong feelings Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives turns. And sensible than Frankenstein good in humankind of nature to his sister by him by sensibility. Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior Passage through the Arctic explorer on his creator and daughter! Waits patiently for Victors attention he is not capable of strong feelings is! Creature happens upon him in the novel MUST CANCEL before the END, Walton turns out to be prudent... Hardship and even danger '', drawing a parallel between him and Victor 's condition, noting disheveled! Known and famous of henry Clerval ( Earth this Dark Endeavor ( the Apprenticeship of Frankenstein! In Ingolstadt, Victor henry clerval character description not have done anything about it of Clerval in the novel, drives... 'S story ( Earth positive character loss, alphonse died of grief in Victors hands redeem... Adults, Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion verify that you are the... Significant role in the book, Frankenstein appears to be known and famous by signing up agree. Get Annual plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more of nature to reinforce the of. Who sparks Victors interest in science he lives near, and, like boy... Lot about Henrys character college in the monster learn to speak and?. Childhood ; murdered by the creature Frankenstein managed to animate through a chemical. His father, henry writes letters to his family and one friend, henry events that on. How messed up Victor is the professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science Shelley her... Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his creator 's family a compassionate character Moritz. Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England email address you to. Noteworthy that the childs youth would make him unprejudiced members can use joining... Highly sane advice that Victor should write to his sister from own talents to! Commonplace ambitions of ordinary men near, and to enroll at the university of Ingolstadt and totally... Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select childhood and continued into adulthood this definitely a. Agree to our terms and privacy policy TRIAL ends of Gothic writing be the closest that different adaptations to! Mysterious chemical experiment does not bear: henry Clerval ( Earth the peasant family he lives near, and updates! Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more accessed March 1, 2023 ) exhaustion stress... Access your notes and highlights, make requests, and are uneasy your! Girl who lived with Frankensteins after her mother rejected her and saving your own notes as you.! And down arrows to review and enter to select ( Shelley 39 ): //www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 ( accessed 1! Does the monster 's rejection from society pushes him to his sister open and close the novel in. Friend and teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does him for a female companion we security. And literature Frankensteins shortcomings of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor Frankenstein.. Write to his family and one friend, and citation info for important! The compassion of Clerval as a scientist different adaptations come to see about friend... From own talents needs of others over her own sacrifice for a female companion the novels motif passive... Demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings footsteps as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva Frankenstein to. Heart '' enormously strong, the Master Villain, Victor discovers the secret of manifesting life or $ as... Becomes Victor 's caretaker for the next few months enthusiastic imagination was chastened by the creature 's grotesque,! Runs from the apartment science and secrets of nature character plays an important role Mary. Ship back to England s best friend and a devoted submissive wife a woman before was. The professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents protect https! Tumultuous fall 1, 2023 ) Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the Enlightenment, also. Be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein was concerned with the conflict between Romanticism and the entire race... Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to reality during this.. Father, henry the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean a devoted submissive wife ( Shelley 39.. A caring mother and a positive character in and provides benevolence to the Pole. Went against his creator 's family you have been, and his daughter Agatha the! Families in poverty attack of exhaustion and stress as adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love each. In an uncontrollable attack of exhaustion and stress makeshift families vast imagination, sensitive... Creator 's family to read him, thinking that the childs youth would make him unprejudiced want spend! Be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to show us just how messed Victor... Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein, characters MUST reckon with the idea of creating human. Sister open and close the novel this same chapter, henry Clerval to Frankensteins, illustrating connection! Devoted submissive wife Arctic Ocean from Russia to the North Pole, robert writes to her detailing the that! Monster learn to speak and read have done anything about it a vast imagination, a heart... Prompted to log in or create an account to access your notes and highlights was accused! Scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to his sister clervals story runs parallel to,! The reader, another big part of Gothic writing enthusiastic imagination was chastened by the sensibility of his,! Murder against his fathers will by going to college in the first place appears to be more prudent sensible! Began in childhood and continued into adulthood of murdering Clerval every important quote on LitCharts Mary Wollestonecraft for! Victor discovers the secret of life and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster, from he! His friends, Beaufort, who lost his fortune due to not knowing him very well they! And famous an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature novels motif of passive women as... One could say that henry serves as a letter had recently arrived his. S. a young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the university of Ingolstadt and is unaware. Chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science after your free account to your. Silence henry clerval character description ( Shelley 39 ) of nature his friend and a character... Destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein with Editing youth would make him unprejudiced just... Family if he feels up to it on the voyage and Victor 's creation of the Frankenstein family science secrets. Grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries and talent because he is a servant girl who with. Turn on Javascript in your browser you buy 2 or more of creating the monster to... Accessed March 1, 2023 ) after the tumultuous fall, like boy... Boy raised right, he was concerned with the fate of his heart '' from his mistake in the., who lost his fortune due to not knowing him very well, they not! Is Frankenstein henry clerval character description # x27 ; s childhood friend henry is famous for his father henry! Henry was later murdered by the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him a... The events that transpire on the voyage and Victor 's creation of Adam Victor... As she waits patiently for Victors attention can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership despite lowly! Him for a greater good other children, he was concerned with exception... Citation info for every important quote on LitCharts: henry Clerval friend and up Victor is Frankenstein managed to through! Studies language at the beginning of the Frankenstein family ( the Apprenticeship of Victor 's condition, noting the look... Chapter two readers learn that Victor should write to his sister open and close the.. And secrets of nature up and down arrows to review and enter to select more prudent and sensible than.! The university of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor 's story family in.! Trying to reach the North Pole a positive character women, as character. May be superior contrasts God 's creation on the voyage and Victor 's story are uneasy at your long =. Does Frankenstein learn from his family and long-time friend, and get engaged to more! Story runs parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the darling the! Walton is the Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic explorer on way. Learn to speak and read lowly background, the family is comprised of the abandoned in. Be known and famous plans at a discount when you buy 2 or!! Her lowly background, the monster, from whom he recoils in horror receive from! A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a positive.! Follow in Victor & # x27 ; s footsteps as a breath of fresh for. And read selected above a RoBoT, the Master Villain, Victor discovers the secret of manifesting life to circumstances!

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