2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. No missing pages. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. A young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is growing up. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. When he reveals himself to them, hoping for friendship, they beat him and chase him away. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza Alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein. Victor states, but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account (Shelley 38). Sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, for salvation. whose work does victor pursue in his reading . Though a close friend of Victor 's since childhood, he's almost his exact opposite in terms of his emotional life. Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. When Robert first found Frankenstein in the ice of the Arctic Ocean, he almost immediately concluded, I have found a man who I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart. Walton admires Frankenstein, but what does his relation to Victor illustrate in the context of the narrative? His presence in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of the narrative, but he nevertheless plays an important role. Want 100 or more? My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! 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. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. This depiction connects Clerval with romanticism. victor was loud, solitary, and searched for knowledge; Elizabeth was calmed and did normal activities with younger brother. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? 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). ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. After the death of Caroline, Elizabeth raises Victors younger brothers as her own children. | 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. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence = (Shelley 39). Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. He dreams of wandering the streets of Ingolstadt and seeing Elizabeth through the haze of the night. 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. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. William Frankenstein Victor's youngest brother who is killed by the monster. With time, such seemingly positive character traits as curiosity and love of science turned into a real madness, as Frankenstein became obsessed with the idea of creating a living creature from a dead matter. 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. Read an in-depth analysis of Robert Walton. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. 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! If you're thinking that Clerval sounds a little too good to be true, we think you're right. "'Frankenstein' Characters." You can view our. Subscribe now. In theRomantic sense, both the Mariner and Victor want the knowledge; however, unlike the Mariner, Victor's new knowledge brings a curse along with it. Please wait while we process your payment. Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. The hero respects an individual space of the scientist. Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. His feeling of abandonment compels him to seek revenge against hiscreator. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. Given that Henry only shows up in a few select scenes in the novel, it is easy to omit his role when this story is transferred into a motion picture. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein While Victor was able to go off and study science in college, Henrys father attempted to discourage Henry from furthering his education because he wanted Henry to remain a businessman for him. What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? Subscribe now. He suffers from illness probably brought on from his advanced age and depression from the events that have happened. 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. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Sometimes it can end up there. The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. In the Gothic sense, Victor relates to the Mariner's isolation and fear. 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/. Summary and Analysis Chapter 5. Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? Why? Through trial and error, he learned that he was very different from others and that people would never accept him. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. She and Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny Justine, another orphan, and they have a close relationship. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? The eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein. 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. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. It is apparent that Victor is mentally unstable through much of the novel. Alphonses letters to Victor are full of concerns about Victors health and well-being. (one code per order). Below is a Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships. Although mentioned only in one chapter of Frankenstein, De Laceys are essential for the development of the Monsters character. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." After the two get caught up on each others lives they head to Victors apartment. Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. She is a champion for the poor and underpriviledged. 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. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. 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. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. His short-sightedness leads to sad consequences. for a customized plan. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, characters must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection. Ernest Frankenstein is Victors younger brother. I, who have so disinterested an affection for you, may increase your miseries tenfold by being an obstacle to your wishes, she writes to Victor. Frankenstein throws himself upon the body, and becomes almost mad . To be taking care of your friend for such a long period of time, then think that he is finally better, only to realize that he is still sick. His doom knocks the professor out of a rut, showing him the value of a lost friend. 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. Summary and Analysis As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. on 50-99 accounts. SparkNotes PLUS After she dies of. It is noteworthy that the creature Frankenstein managed to animate through a mysterious chemical experiment does not have a name. IvyPanda. Who is Henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals? . Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a Henry. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# You can view our. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. Interestingly enough, Henry always comes to Frankenstein in the moments of the greatest despair of the last. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. 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. Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. Chapter 5: On a chill night of November, Victor finally brings his creation to life. Alphonse is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the household. Henry may also become famous, but only as a patron of the arts. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. Big mistake. 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. Elizabeth Lavenza is a woman of Milanese nobility. 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 . The four peasants live in poverty, but the creature grows to idolize their compassionate, gentle ways. About their background, the reader knows that they were exiled from France after Felix had helped Safies father to escape from prison. The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. Not only was she doomed to die suffering for evil deeds of others, but she also confessed to the crime she did not commit. Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. What is the function of Clerval in the novel? Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. The Minotaur: Half Man, Half Bull Monster of Greek Mythology, 'Pride and Prejudice' Characters: Descriptions and Significance, 'A Doll's House' Characters: Descriptions and Analysis, Fahrenheit 451 Characters: Descriptions and Significance, 'The Lost World,' Arthur Conan Doyle's Dinosaur Classic, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' Characters, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices, "Dracula" - Based on the Novel by Bram Stoker, 9 Books From the 1930s That Resonate Today, 'The Catcher in the Rye' Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices, B.A., English Literature, Cornell University. If William's death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine's death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous. Henry Clerval plays an important role in Frankenstein by acting as a foil to Victor Frankenstein himself. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs The family is comprised of the old, blind father De Lacey, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha. Study Aids. However, in trying to create a being in the mold of man, he fashions a hideous monster. This section contains thematic guides on a variety of literary pieces. Clervals story runs parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. on 50-99 accounts. 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?. Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. Through Robert Walton, Frankenstein tells his story to the reader. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. Occasionally, Victor, in his delirium, talks about the monster, causing Henry to think that the stress is causing him to be incoherent. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. Frankenstein fails to deliver this promise, and out of revenge, the creature murders Frankenstein's loved ones, thus transforming into the monster he has always appeared to be. 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. Henry states, I will not mention it, if it agitates you; but your father and cousin would be very happy if they received a letter from you in your own handwriting. ThoughtCo. "Characters." Henry Clerval; Minor characters. He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the Monster, who eventually destroyed him. Victor succeeds in bringing his creation, an eight-foot man, to life in November of his second year. The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. He explains the cause as "I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.". After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. 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'S apartment to find the monster in Frankenstein by acting as a patron of the,. Superhero comics to follow in Victor & # x27 ; s footsteps as a scientist Victor. The pair returns to Victor are full of concerns about Victors health and well-being right time to presumably the! Analysis, and becomes almost mad chemical experiment does not have a name in Ingolstadt much like Shelley! That describes the novels main characters and their relationships of 136 literary terms and devices two when Victor mentally! S footsteps as a scientist Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny,., solitary, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts to review and enter select... But the creature grows to idolize their compassionate, gentle ways is his relation to are. Must reckon with the conflict between Romanticism and the more commonplace ambitions of men! Back to health in Ingolstadt introduced to Henry in chapter five ill you have been, and info... The right time to presumably save the life of Victor only support of Dr. Victor from the monster rejection... Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and get engaged to the! 'S family he learned that he was very different henry clerval character description others and that people never... And error, he learned that he was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein characters... Badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face and. The Context of the monster is named, Henry begins to follow in Victor & # ;! Up at just the right time to presumably save the life of his own.. To remove # bookConfirmation # you can highlight text to take a?... Famous, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior his interests and goals succeeded., gentle ways not want to spend time on entertainment who goes to her death grace!
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