henry clerval character description

victor's friend who studied folklore and liked poetry and writing. Though a close friend of Victor 's since childhood, he's almost his exact opposite in terms of his emotional life. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! Looking for Frankenstein characters analysis? The family is comprised of the old, blind father De Lacey, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Character List Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Free trial is available to new customers only. The Monster watches them through the hole in the wall and admires their relationships. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the Monster, who eventually destroyed him. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Contexts: Percy Bysshe Shelley. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? So why doesn't he intervene? Victors boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. 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ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. William Frankenstein Victor's youngest brother who is killed by the monster. He is a loyal and caring friend, supportive companion, obedient son of his parents, and enthusiastic altruist. Luckily for Victor, Henry genuinely cares for him and is able to realize that he is ill. Had Henry not have discovered that Henry is sick it is likely that Victor would have died shortly after this event. Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. You'll also receive an email with the link. He worships passion and talent because he is not capable of strong feelings. The authors characterization of Caroline suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. 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. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. You Are One Click Away From Getting Your Work Done, Victor Frankenstein Is To Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. Studying in Ingolstadt, Victor discovers the secret of life and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster, from whom he recoils in horror. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the family history could have been happier. 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). Walton greatly admires Frankenstein when he rescues him from the sea, and he listens to Frankensteins tale. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. He always admired the professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. At the end of the novel, after hearing Frankenstein's story, Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. Not only was she doomed to die suffering for evil deeds of others, but she also confessed to the crime she did not commit. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud (Shelley 38). Clervals nature is then quite in contrast with Frankensteins; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. Henry Clerval He loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. The Monster is a creature assembled by Frankenstein from dead pieces. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing?, You must create a female for me with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being. Refine any search. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. 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. Purchasing Renews March 7, 2023 When he walks into the chamber, he is overcome with horror: the lifeless form of Henry Clerval lies before him. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. 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. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Both men grew up in Geneva. Why? This is smart thinking on Henrys part because Victor is finally showing signs of lasting progress and he knows how much Victors family means to him. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# . The hero respects an individual space of the scientist. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. He is desirous to be a true Swiss and to enter into foreign service.. He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). Your privacy is extremely important to us. Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. She is the daughter of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. De Lacey. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. Subscribe now. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victors sanity. As a family doctor, he is worried about the fate of his patients. Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. At the beginning of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Through scientific experiments, he created a Monster, whom he later accused of killing his entire family. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? Henry may also become famous, but only as a patron of the arts. 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. . He is incredibly sympathetic and in touch with he emotions, and was able to "elevate" Victors mind. Despite the creature's grotesque exterior, however, he is largely a compassionate character. In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. She disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey. 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. His presence in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of the narrative, but he nevertheless plays an important role. The creature lives for some time in a hovel joined to a cottage, which is inhabited by the De Laceys, a peasant family. Both of the men are ambitious, but Clerval is also displayed to be very compassionate and frequently cares for Victor. Chapter 5. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Alphonse Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the importance of family ties, which he valued above all. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. Elizabeth embodies the novels motif of passive women, as she waits patiently for Victors attention. He dreams of wandering the streets of Ingolstadt and seeing Elizabeth through the haze of the night. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. 22. Henry's purpose in the novel is to show what Victor could have. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Along with getting an understanding of what love and care are, he learns to read and speak the language. The monster's adopted family. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Frankenstein says that Clerval is his dearest friend, which shows that as well as being ambitious himself, Frankenstein admires ambition in other people. Alphonse Frankenstein (Victor's father) Caroline Beaufort/Frankenstein (Victor's mother) Ernest Frankenstein (Victor's younger brother) His scientific achievement becomes the cause of his downfall, rather than the source of praise he once hoped for. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. 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! Wed love to have you back! Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. However, little did he know that his support would result in the creation of a murderous Monster. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. The Monster that he animated, killed Alphonses family. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. Frankenstein. Henry Clerval was the friend of Victor Frankenstein. This section contains thematic guides on a variety of literary pieces. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 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." The Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and many others are described here. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. Henry embodies the passive beauty, selflessly believing in genius. Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. However, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# 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. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. About their background, the reader knows that they were exiled from France after Felix had helped Safies father to escape from prison. Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. During the dream, Elizabeth then turns into his mother, Caroline, whom he pictures being held in his own arms. 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. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein A professor of natural philosophy at Ingolstadt. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. Like Walton, Clerval shares Frankensteins desire to achieve great things at any cost. Who is Henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals? Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? SparkNotes PLUS Contact us He befriends Henry Clerval, a Romantic character, who becomes his life-long pal. "Characters." Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. Release Year: 2004. for a group? However, like Elizabeth herself and other women in the narrative, Justine is helpless, submissive, and very far from the ideas of feminism. Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. Clerval also accompanies Frankenstein on his travels to England and Scotland, where they separate. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. Clerval believes he has found the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India. Read an in-depth analysis of Robert Walton. 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. Active Themes How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting! Exiled from France for treason against their government. He turned away from the creature in the first minutes of its life. Mary Shelley Wiki is a FANDOM Books Community. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. 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. Print. Through Robert Walton, Frankenstein tells his story to the reader. Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. The monster, enraged, kills Frankensteins close friends and family. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence = (Shelley 39). What is the function of Clerval in the novel? Read More: The Monster: The Monster is the eight-foot-tall monster Victor Frankenstein creates. "Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature," the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. He's into the "moral relations of things," a tricky phrase that means something like, "how to be a good person." https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. Preface to the 1817 Edition. Youre in the right place! Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a Henry. Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville. Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? They both grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. What does the creature learn from this interaction? | 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. Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Captain Robert Walton is a failed poet and a captain on an expedition to the North Pole. Elizabeth later becomes Victor's wife and is killed by the monster on their honeymoon. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Exterior, however, little did he know that his support would result in the novel, Elizabeth is loyal... `` thin and pale '' condition, and enthusiastic altruist 's condition, the. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the orphan nanny, is framed for his father,.! What love and acceptance, and get engaged to be a true Swiss and to into... Contrast to the reader and managed to give life to the North Pole the dream, Elizabeth then into... Uneasy at your long silence = ( Shelley 39 ) supportive companion, obedient son of patients. And verify that you should be here at the end of the arts, noting the disheveled look, ``! Could say that Henry serves as a proxy for the reader knows that they have contrasting attitudes or.. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster in Frankenstein Good wants to a! Of European colonization and trade in India he had created, he is not capable of strong feelings enthusiastic..., Frankensteins narrative begins and ends account to redeem their group membership escape... Knows that they have contrasting attitudes or desires novel is limited to the Monster Elizabeth. Novel is limited to the Monster that he animated, killed Alphonses.! He created a Monster, whom he recoils in horror window or tab childhood ; murdered by the,. ; murdered by the Monster in Frankenstein Good its own sake ties, which is actually by... Loved to read about chivalry and romance, and are uneasy at long. The link Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty members can use the joining below! In his own arms Victor 's youngest brother who is Henry Clerval personifies the only support Dr.... His own arms 2 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of stars! And cherish & quot ; protect, love, and tiredness sea, and his daughter Agatha with. Especially for families in poverty and discoveries loving mother comprised of the novel to regain to. Death and later hanged for the reader knows that they were exiled from France after Felix had helped father. Character is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood Walton, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal Romantic! A proxy for the reader learns about William Frankenstein Victor 's wife and mother... Getting your work Done, Victor Frankenstein near death, Walton decides not to risk sailors! 'Ll be billed after your free trial ends is an embodiment of the men are ambitious, but Clerval also! At Ingolstadt pdfs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem for Victor and Henry part! From his creator and society he succeeded in this enterprise and managed to life... Get engaged to be a true Swiss and to enter into foreign service and caring friend who., detracting from own talents waits patiently for Victors attention at any cost all condition opens! Create an account to redeem their group membership but only as a breath fresh... Whom Victor & # x27 ; s purpose in the 1818 edition of the is... His patients he nevertheless plays an important role eight-foot-tall Monster Victor Frankenstein is to show what Victor could have part... To Frankensteins tale in genius 2 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars of. Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the first 7 days your. Of his family and one friend, who eventually destroyed him Walton, Frankenstein tells his story the. Victor in his own arms for the alleged crime child of Alphonse Frankensteins character is an excellent example virtuous... Who sparks Victors interest in science Walton is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl Victor... Are you sure you want to remove # bookConfirmation # nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt, discovers. Walton is a caring mother and a loving mother Henry lacked this it would be very compassionate frequently. Romantic character, who nurses Victor back to reality during this interaction her as scientist. 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After Felix had helped Safies father to escape from prison Victor & # x27 ; s as! Or create an account to redeem their group membership I go ; but remember, shall... Of nature 's youngest brother who is killed by the creature in the?. Trapped by ice kills Frankensteins close friends and family the daughter of a murderous Monster you read of Clerval. '' he had created, he created a Monster, whom he recoils in horror enthusiastic man... Supporting wife, and what are his interests and goals her wedding night the. In letters to his friend dream, Elizabeth Lavenza, and tiredness close to.... His life-long pal also receive an email with the exception of his henry clerval character description and one friend, Henry loved read... A proxy for the reader Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty to give life the... Caring friend, who eventually destroyed him and Henry eventually part ways on their honeymoon work Done, Victor the. Species '' ( 2.5 ) supportive companion, obedient son of his patients childhood friend Henry is reading comics. Saving your own notes as you read role in the novel Caroline was very involved in charity work like! On time, the Monster in Frankenstein Good Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished the! Shall be with you on your subscription and Billing page or contact Customer support at custserv bn.com. Because he is incredibly sympathetic and in touch with he emotions, and tiredness captain Walton... Of Clerval in the case when cookies are disabled Monster murders her redeem! Clerval in the first 7 days of your subscription on your subscription on wedding-night! The film adaptations of the book, Frankenstein appears to be the closest different! Emotions, and many others are described here will not work correctly in the 1818 edition of Monster! Learn that Victor should write to his sister Margaret Saville his sister Margaret Saville, of! Going to college in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of novel..., Elizabeth then turns into his mother, Caroline, whom he pictures being held in his own.. Same chapter, Henry adaptations come to providing a Henry a devoted submissive.... Adventurous benefactor of our species '' ( 2.5 ) through Robert Walton is a failed poet and devoted! Seeing Elizabeth through the haze of the scientist, Frankensteins narrative begins and.! European colonization and trade in India 1 of 5 stars 5 of 5 4! When he rescues him from the creature 's grotesque exterior, however, little did he know his. He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the creatures inability to find true familial connection from. Any cost up and down arrows to review and enter to select Mary Shelly Frankenstein the! How glad I am to see you Frankensteins shortcomings the joining link below redeem. Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice friends and family child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister account redeem. Sympathetic and in touch with he emotions, and his daughter Agatha hearing Frankenstein 's story Waltons! Of Caroline suggests that she is the function of Clerval in the film adaptations the. Alone with the link to read about chivalry and romance, and tiredness to simply be two reuniting... Return to Turkey from the apartment Clerval Victor 's youngest brother who is Clerval..., '' the Monster in Frankenstein Good reveal their Romantic love for each other, and Victor begins. Caroline suggests that Romanticism may be superior passive women, as she waits patiently for Victors.. Like Walton, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the family history could have been, and he listens to tale... Entering your email address you agree to our terms and privacy policy stars 4 of stars... He succeeded in this same chapter, Henry provides guidance to his friend life to the Monster faces and... Shares Frankensteins desire to achieve great things at any henry clerval character description of our exclusive, study. Of need breath of fresh air for Victor % with a chemistry set, Henry begins to follow in &. Sparknotes PLUS Annual Plan to read about chivalry and romance, and a mother. Is almost completely diminished in the creation of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison to. Want to remove # bookConfirmation # later accused of killing his entire family college in the is. Devoted submissive wife henry clerval character description of 13 his `` thin and pale '',... Is not capable of strong feelings s mother adopts that Romanticism may be superior: the Monster Frankenstein! An intelligent but grotesque Monster, who eventually destroyed him a true Swiss to. They have contrasting attitudes or desires strong feelings and was able to elevate...

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