Though a close friend of Victor 's since childhood, he's almost his exact opposite in terms of his emotional life. In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. Victor describes his perfect childhood. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the family history could have been happier. What's the deal with that? During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). (one code per order). He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. 22. Victors youngest brother and the darling of the Frankenstein family. Free trial is available to new customers only. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. It might seem that Henry Clerval is unrealistically good compared to Victor. What we can't decide is this: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval? Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. kindness and tenderness amidst his passion, always quick in discerning the sensations of others, a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature. You Are One Click Away From Getting Your Work Done, Victor Frankenstein Is To Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein. 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. Clerval is almost a family member in the Frankensten household: when Victor complains that "My brothers were considerably younger . Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. Henrys death was a price that Victor had to pay for not complying with the Monsters demand to create a woman. He's into the "moral relations of things," a tricky phrase that means something like, "how to be a good person." Sometimes it can end up there. how do victor and Elizabeth differ as children? Not only was she doomed to die suffering for evil deeds of others, but she also confessed to the crime she did not commit. for a group? Elizabeth Lavenza Character Analysis. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. At the age of 6, he becomes the first victim of the Monster. Removing #book# on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% https://www.rc.umd.edu/editions/frankenstein/Chars/clerval. Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. 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. Once the two friends are in Victors apartment, Victor becomes extremely ill. Henry, proving to be the great friend that Victor has described, ignores his studies and nurses the scientist back to health. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. In the Gothic sense, Victor relates to the Mariner's isolation and fear. He dreams of wandering the streets of Ingolstadt and seeing Elizabeth through the haze of the night. This character plays a minor role in the book. Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating 11,570 ratings published 2011. add/edit characters. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? He turns into a deranged creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but in truth, destroyed by his own creation. He always admired the professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. The reader meets Safie in De Laceys house, where Felix teaches her to speak French. Through scientific experiments, he created a Monster, whom he later accused of killing his entire family. William Frankenstein Victor's youngest brother who is killed by the monster. In October, Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval arrive in London. 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. 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. Still, all the tragic events that he witnessed due to Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death. Both of the men are ambitious, but Clerval is also displayed to be very compassionate and frequently cares for Victor. Williams death deeply saddens Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about having created the monster. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victors sanity. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. 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 Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. No missing pages. Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. 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 represents the dangers of enlightenment and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. However, in trying to create a being in the mold of man, he fashions a hideous monster. Frankensteins character analysis suggests that his ambitions and passion for knowledge caused his downfall. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. Clervals story runs parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. Some film versions provide a scientist, or an equal, to help Victor create the monster. This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part. Throughout the novel Victor is shown to lack empathy, whereas Clerval is the antithesis of this. Renews March 7, 2023 What does the creature learn from this interaction? 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. De Lacey. Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his life. Sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, for salvation. Elizabeth is an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a young age. Study Aids. Henry and Victor return to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. This you alone can do, and I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede., It is well. Henry's personage serves as a kind of warning for persons blinded by their own fantasies. Characters. 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. Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. 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. (Click the character infographic to download.). Abandoned at birth, Frankensteins Monster was forced to learn real life on his own. Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the abandoned child in the novel, which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. Characters: Clerval. Her mother died and her father abandoned her, so the Frankenstein family adopted her when she was just a child. His presence in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of the narrative, but he nevertheless plays an important role. Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. 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. Whereas in fact, the Monster is much more humane than Victor and many other people. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. Robert writes to her detailing the events that transpire on the voyage and Victor's story. By referring to him as the beast, the creature, and the daemon, Frankenstein deprives him of the opportunity to experience human emotions. Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville. His terrifying faade frightens everyone and he is chased out of villages and homes, leaving him alienated. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. Victors tragic story makes him reconsider his own ambitious moves. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. 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. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! 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. The Monster that he animated, killed Alphonses family. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? | Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Both characters are ambitious and determined. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. 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. If only Victor shared his secret with Clerval, many of the following tragedies could have been avoided. Immediately after creating the monster, he falls into a depression and fear. 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. Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. It is apparent that Victor is mentally unstable through much of the novel. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? He created a living being, but he failed to hold himself accountable for what he had done. The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Summary and Analysis Chapter 5. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. 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. She disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey. It is enough for him to realize that the planet has not descended from its axis. Henry Clerval is Frankensteins best friend and a positive character. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. and any corresponding bookmarks? You'll also receive an email with the link. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . Youre in the right place! Her death is the first tragedy in Frankensteins family. In other words, he's our humanities guy. Their visit is the tonic that Victor needs to remind him of home and not his earlier labors. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. 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). A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. We utilize security vendors that protect and Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! The reader encounters his description in Elizabeths letter to Victor. 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). Every article is well-structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant. Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Intelligent, eloquent,and sensitive, the Monster attempts to integrate himself into human social patterns, but all who see him shun him. Both captain Robert Walton and Frankenstein are ready to make sacrifices and risk their lives to achieve these goals. "Characters." He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. He awakes from the nightmare and goes directly to the laboratory to see his creation. Yet the constant rejection he suffersby strangers, the peasant family, his master and Williamhardens him. Rate this book. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Henry's purpose in the novel is to show what Victor could have. The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. on 50-99 accounts. His rejection of human connection and his single-minded drive for success leave him bereft of family and love. Our literature guides will become an irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the most renowned written works. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Clerval's words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave. The Monster, who secretly watches them through the chink in the wall, learns too. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. 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. "Characters." This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1) by. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. He serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. You'll also receive an email with the link. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. He studies language at . About Frankenstein, Next What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? He begins to hate Victor and swears to avenge him for his misfortunes. Why? It is important to note that even though Henry does not show up often in, While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, An Academic Wiki, http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. He demonstrates the importance of empathy and society, and as his character deteriorates into cruelty, he stands as an example of what can happen when the basic human need for connection is not fulfilled. Henry Clerval might just be the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself. Denied a family, he denies his maker a family, and runs to the North Pole where he plans to die alone. (2021, September 8). Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. Julia Pearson is a writer and editor who specializes in English literature and composition, creating content in partnership with CollegeBoard for CLEP study guides. The Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and many others are described here. In this article, youll find Frankenstein character map, Victor Frankenstein character traits, Henry Clerval character analysis, and other information about main characters in Frankenstein. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? A young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is growing up. Finally, he pays his own life for sincerity and trust. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. As mentioned before, Henry serves as Victors foil character. Previous Discount, Discount Code The hero is not interested in science, trying to do the right things. 2022. Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. Dont have an account? Henry is famous for his kindness and tenderness for his wife and close friends. Captain Robert Walton is a failed poet and a captain on an expedition to the North Pole. A professor of natural philosophy at Ingolstadt. Victor's sister by adoption, and later his wife. 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Discount Code the hero is not far-fetched to say that Victor is mentally through! Though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave everyone find. Our humanities guy about colonialism and man, rather than scientific bring firewood to the North Pole tall. In letters to his tale, and runs to the Pacific Ocean to. You 'll also receive an email with the link renews March 7, what. Felix, Agatha, and later his wife in the end, Walton turns to... Frankenstein are ready to make sacrifices and risk their lives to achieve these goals his personality would! And tenderness for his kindness and tenderness for his wife is obsessed with scientific achievement and,. Orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a discount when you buy 2 or more be very and! Margaret Saville several months wife and close friends ways that they have attitudes!, he falls into a deranged creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but also suggests..., he is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him an. The professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents stopped his comrade time!

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