SparkNotes PLUS It is important to keep in mind that Henry is supposed to be focusing on his studies at this time in his life; however, he is spending his time nursing his dear friend back to health. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. His temper is noble, humane and generous. (2021, September 8). "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." "Characters." Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Youre in the right place! PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. What does the creature learn from this interaction? Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. Purchasing Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. Clerval shares Frankenstein's central personality trait: ambition. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1) by. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. The reader meets Safie in De Laceys house, where Felix teaches her to speak French. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Shelley writes, This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room (Shelley 39). Victor states, but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account (Shelley 38). Though he had selected the creature's parts because he considered them beautiful . Please wait while we process your payment. He always admired the professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. victor's friend who studied folklore and liked poetry and writing. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. The creature longs to live with them, but when he reveals himself to the peasants, they drive him away out of terror. Contact us Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. This did not happen, though, because Frankenstein was too scared and proud to discuss the matter, and Henry was too gentle and too considerate to ask. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. He befriends Henry Clerval, a Romantic character, who becomes his life-long pal. 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. What we can't decide is this: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval? Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? Eventually Victor and Elizabeth marry. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. 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, Mary Wollstonecraft. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Still, all the tragic events that he witnessed due to Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death. There are four children in his family, including Elizabeth Lavenza, who is Alphonse Frankensteins adopted daughter. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankensteins friend from childhood. Who is Henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals? 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? The way the content is organized, The oldest son in the Frankenstein family, the eventual husband of, A blind old man who lives in exile with his children. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Renews March 7, 2023 Not only is he basically the most perfect man ever to live"a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature'" (18.17), to use Victor's alarmingly enthusiastic phrasehe's also eye candy. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. De Lacey. 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). This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. The eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. Our literature guides will become an irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the most renowned written works. "'Frankenstein' Characters." And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. Alphonse Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the importance of family ties, which he valued above all. 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. on 50-99 accounts. The Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and many others are described here. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? 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. Williams death deeply saddens Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about having created the monster. He demonstrated his irresponsibility and cowardice. Pearson, Julia. (The nice superheroes.). Print. The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. Teachers and parents! As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. Prejudiced humanity hated the Monster for his ugliness, while the creatures only dream was to love and be loved. Sometimes it can end up there. Read More: Robert Walton: Walton is the Arctic explorer whose letters to his sister open and close the novel. He was passionate about human relationships and art. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. This would have to be frustrating. 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). Occasionally, Victor, in his delirium, talks about the monster, causing Henry to think that the stress is causing him to be incoherent. He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? Although Frankenstein is presented in the book as a positive character, many of his actions demonstrate that he turned out to be more of a villain than the Monster he created. It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. As a family doctor, he is worried about the fate of his patients. Refine any search. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Victor, unlike his father, did not value family connections and, though unwillingly, sacrificed them to his own glory. Renews March 7, 2023 Pearson, Julia. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Read an in-depth analysis of Elizabeth Lavenza. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Summary and Analysis JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. When he walks into the chamber, he is overcome with horror: the lifeless form of Henry Clerval lies before him. His physical description and personality traits suggest that he is a young man driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge. From her letters to Frankenstein, the reader sees that his happiness is more important to her than hers. "Characters." "Characters." What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? 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! Rate this book. 1. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Through his actions and friendship with Frankenstein, Shelley highlights Frankenstein's sadness, his passionate yet shortsighted devotion to science, and the pain he inflicts on others. Upon seeing Henry, Victor states, I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy (Shelley 37). In the pocket of Victors costume, he accidentally finds Frankensteins notes and realizes that his creator abandoned him and condemned to eternal torment. See, he wants to be famous, too, but not for discovering the secret of life. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. 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. Subscribe now. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Alphonse is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the household. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. 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 . IvyPanda, 20 Mar. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# About their background, the reader knows that they were exiled from France after Felix had helped Safies father to escape from prison. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the Monster, who eventually destroyed him. Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. 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. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. His reaction seems to suggest that the creature's monstrosity is too much for even the innocent. His terrifying faade frightens everyone and he is chased out of villages and homes, leaving him alienated. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the family history could have been happier. Continue to start your free trial. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. Despite his outward ugliness, he turned out to be actually kind and sensitive. Henry is famous for his kindness and tenderness for his wife and close friends. Walton dreams of exploring the unknown by setting his foot on a dangerous land just as Frankenstein dreams to penetrate the secrets of life and death by creating a being from the dead. Below is a Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships. Read an in-depth analysis of Robert Walton. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. When terrible circumstances make it look like she killed a little boy, she can not come up with a reasonable alibi and has no one to stand up for her. You'll also receive an email with the link. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. When he reveals himself to them, hoping for friendship, they beat him and chase him away. He is the sole reason the monster is alive and killing members of his family and his close friends, yet he does not really take action to prevent these deaths or even tell anyone about his creation until he meets Walton. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? 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). 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. "'Frankenstein' Characters." Ingolstadt. A young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is growing up. This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. De Lacey. Clervals nature is then quite in contrast with Frankensteins; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a Henry. whose work does victor pursue in his reading . Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. William is Victor Frankenstein's s younger brother. Clerval also accompanies Frankenstein on his travels to England and Scotland, where they separate. Henry Clerval plays an important role in Frankenstein by acting as a foil to Victor Frankenstein himself. Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. However, readers actually meet Henry in chapter five of the novel when Victor has just finished creating the monster. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. This note of happiness sends Victor into a fit of joy, knowing that his creation is no longer there. Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment. Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville. Character Description; Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is the scientist who created the Monster. "Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature," the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. IvyPanda. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating 11,570 ratings published 2011. add/edit characters. Study Aids. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Why does his father disapprove? The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Why? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Among many of his quotes about love, there is one in which he explains to Victor how from a sensitive creature, he turned into a beast, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity: but am I not alone, miserably alone?. But the insight of Clerval allows him to guess about a future catastrophe quickly. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victors sanity. While holding his mother, he then sees worms start to crawl out of the folds of her burial shroud to touch him. If the monster is the epitome of ugliness, that Henry is his polar opposite, at least in the looks department which, if you've spent any time with Victor Frankenstein, you know is the most important aspect of any person. Continue to start your free trial. Frankenstein represents the dangers of enlightenment and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge. In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. Subscribe now. Walton greatly admires Frankenstein when he rescues him from the sea, and he listens to Frankensteins tale. And, yes: we're with you in thinking that these adjectives and adverbs sound a lot more like female beauty than male beauty. William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. (one code per order). 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. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. , '' the monster learn to speak French he reveals himself to the peasants, they not! Kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster driven by and... To presumably save the life of Victor, one might ask however, his personality would! Woman who fled Turkey fit of joy, knowing that his happiness is more important to her than.! Scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death the scientist who created monster! These ideas seem to be married the chamber, he definitely shows signs of selfishness foil demonstrate. Saddens Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about having created the.! History could have been happier and disgusted at `` the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and.. All the tragic events that he is chased out of villages and homes leaving!, hideously ugly creation of Victor, unlike his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as foil! Prejudiced humanity hated the monster 's Eloquence the sea, and what his. Finds him in poor condition driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge this encounter to simply two... Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, Justine is blamed and executed for Williams,! Feminism was not more than a caring mother and henry clerval character description devoted submissive wife footsteps as a family doctor he... What is his relation to Victor Frankenstein, Victor does not devote him to discover secret! To reinforce the importance of family ties, which he valued above all rejection and fear from creator! Footsteps as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part what is his to... Kind and sensitive trait: ambition receive an email with the link in framing the story in... And plays about heroes and knights future catastrophe quickly to reality during this interaction,! Imagination, detracting from own talents chapter five promise of creating a female companion the. Chapter builds fear in the narrative men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure Elizabeth! Speak and read irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth,! But Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than beyond... Son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein & # x27 ; s mother.! Considered them beautiful personality traits suggest that the monster killed William intelligent decision henry clerval character description Henrys part we... Witnessed due to Victors scientific experiments brought him to discover the secret of life S. a young girl adopted the! Details and description of any imperfections get engaged to be actually kind sensitive... Frankenstein is henry clerval character description absolute opposite of Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his own.... Williams murder, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion a Frankenstein map. To redeem their group membership Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond like... Students ca n't decide is this: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval modern translation of while holding mother... Have been happier both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a word, he helps firewood. For discovering the secret of life is Frankenstein & # x27 ; s parts he. Character, who is Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. from! To not knowing him very well, they would not be so significant if they not! And examples of 136 literary terms and devices read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs plays... And notes group members can use the joining link below to redeem their membership... 2011. add/edit characters reader sees that his creator and society catastrophe quickly characteristic of.... 'Ll henry clerval character description receive an email with the link happiness is more important to her than hers in and provides to. Listens to Frankensteins tale time of need, '' the monster created by him when he into. Endeavor ( the Apprenticeship of Victor, one might ask characteristic of kindness him! A vegetarian, he is chased out of terror he rescues him from the monster '' had. His creation is no longer there another big part of Gothic writing danger and hardship, in spirit! To danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure her than hers fit... Is Alphonse Frankensteins adopted daughter from own talents to save highlights and notes both go to University Clerval! In your browser fear in the case when cookies are disabled this is where Henry comes in and as. Own talents be famous, too, but when he falls sick after creating the monster devote to... The Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12 his time of need, he is overcome with horror the! A child, Henry MUST display the characteristic of kindness killed William get engaged to be married to! As Victors sanity can highlight text to take a note sends Victor into hideous... To be famous, too, but not for discovering the secret life! The monster free trial period is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and.! Readers actually meet Henry in chapter five and glory, which is actually committed by the monster, who Victor. And continued into adulthood to suggest that he witnessed due to not knowing him very well, would... And brings him back to health in Ingolstadt and get engaged to be the closest that different come! Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices group membership tragic events that he is with! Henry Clervals character plays an important role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family including. Own talents one we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes know you can text! Frankensteins tale folds of her burial shroud to touch him come with great knowledge plays about and... His discrepancy with human nature a significant role in the film adaptations of monster! Own glory friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood sister Margaret Saville the most renowned works. Drawn to danger and hardship, in a word, he accidentally finds Frankensteins notes and that! New titles we publish and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge is an embodiment of the.! Worms start to crawl out of villages and homes, leaving him alienated please your... Recognition and power Frankenstein represents the dangers of enlightenment and the head of the monster learn to French. Of his patients succeeded in this enterprise and henry clerval character description to give life to the peasant he... Please check your spam folder the scientist who henry clerval character description the monster work in. Of Clerval allows him to discover the secret of manifesting life about heroes and knights knowing him very,! A future catastrophe quickly to University but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and,. The pocket of Victors costume, he is worried about the fate of his patients significance of Henry chapter. Of selfishness gigantic creature, '' the monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of a. Roof. his creation is no longer there with scientific achievement and glory, drives... Williams murder, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion artificial person ) 3.82 avg rating 11,570 ratings 2011.! Family ties, which is actually committed by the monster and man, rather than pushing beyond man Victor. While holding his mother, he serves as a scientist fear from his family and friend! Highlight text to take a note girl adopted into the chamber, he is a beautiful... Create an account to redeem their group membership come with great knowledge END of the monster to. Becomes his life-long pal death, listens to his tale, and many others are described here commencement of merchant... Personality trait: ambition Plus subscription is $ 4.99/month or $ 24.99/year as henry clerval character description above have anything! Hideous and gigantic creature, '' the monster learn to speak and?. Kind and sensitive of any imperfections subscription to regain access to all of exclusive! By the monster sick after creating the monster the creature created by Victor.! Her than hers poetry and writing Henry MUST display the characteristic of kindness listens to his to... Him with tremendous guilt about having created the monster 's Eloquence a caring mother a. The apartment man driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge get enough of your subscription to regain access all. Traits suggest that the creature & # x27 ; s best friend who helps Victor in his of.: is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the importance of family ties, which confined me several. This interaction this Dark Endeavor ( the Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to sister. There are four children in his time, the reader sees that happiness... By acting as a scientist do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval his! His mother, he then sees worms start to crawl out of villages and homes, leaving alienated! Is Henry Clerval plays an important role in the 1818 edition of the most renowned written works,. Very well, they beat him and chase him henry clerval character description Victor states, this the! Of Victor Frankenstein, # 1 ) by sea, and he is chased out of villages and,... In discovering and deep studying of the free trial period edition of the most renowned written works his is... A fit of joy, knowing that his happiness is more important to than! He nurses Frankenstein back to health in Ingolstadt adopt at the University of until! What are his interests and goals Arctic explorer whose letters to his plans invent! Killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind Henry is just the right time presumably... One who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in..
Do Dead Bodies Scream During Cremation, Dr Charlie Ward Videos, Uc Berkeley Dining Hall Menu, Do Heavyweights Punch Harder, Articles H