henry clerval character description

Henry had come to see about his friend and . Walton picks the bedraggled Victor Frankenstein up off the ice, helps nurse him back to health, and hears Victors story. Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, characters must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection. The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, Edge Reading, Writing and Language: Level C, David W. Moore, Deborah Short, Michael W. Smith, Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. In this way, Walton applies the lessons that Shelley wishes to impart through the novel: the value of connection and the dangers of scientific enlightenment. Free trial is available to new customers only. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. 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! Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). Victor describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and boundless love of nature. Victor falls in an uncontrollable attack of exhaustion and stress. Victors boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? Henry embodies the passive beauty, selflessly believing in genius. Need Custom Character Analysis Sample With Quotes or Maybe Help With Editing? who is henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals ? Our literature guides will become an irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the most renowned written works. Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. 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. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. on 50-99 accounts. With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. This would have to be frustrating. 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. Her death is the first tragedy in Frankensteins family. Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating 11,570 ratings published 2011. add/edit characters. 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. Release Year: 2004. A professor of natural philosophy at Ingolstadt. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. Clerval is almost a family member in the Frankensten household: when Victor complains that "My brothers were considerably younger . https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 (accessed March 1, 2023). 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. Henry Clerval might just be the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Would this whole tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess? Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. Walton is the sea captain and the main narrator of the book. Clerval is described as loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger", drawing a parallel between him and Victor. Contact us Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. Free trial is available to new customers only. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Victor describes the monster's eyes, considered the windows upon the soul, as "watery eyes, that seemed almost the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips. Felix and Safie fall in love. Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. Henry also opted not to tell Victors family of his illness because he knew that they would not be able to make the trip to care for him, that they would worry, and because Henry knew that he was capable of taking care of Victor. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?. Clervals nature is then quite in contrast with Frankensteins; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. The authors characterization of Caroline suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood. 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. Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. Frankenstein throws himself upon the body, and becomes almost mad . To all amusements, he preferred studying laws of natural philosophy. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? His temper is noble, humane and generous. Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab. Elizabeth is an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a young age. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. He leaves the school and returns home to his family, only to find tragedy there. All the Frankensteins adore Elizabeth, and Victor quickly begins to "protect, love, and cherish" her. How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting! It is enough for him to realize that the planet has not descended from its axis. Finally, he pays his own life for sincerity and trust. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . bookmarked pages associated with this title. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. 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. Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! Their attitude turned him into a beast and made him seek revenge on his creator. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. 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. It shows that in this male whose eyes were expressing wildness andmadness Robert recognized his own self. Caroline is Victor's mom, and, like any boy raised right, he really loves her. He demonstrated his irresponsibility and cowardice. Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? 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. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? Clerval - "How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!". 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. She is a champion for the poor and underpriviledged. Henry's personage serves as a kind of warning for persons blinded by their own fantasies. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. Please wait while we process your payment. By referring to him as the beast, the creature, and the daemon, Frankenstein deprives him of the opportunity to experience human emotions. Interestingly enough, Henry always comes to Frankenstein in the moments of the greatest despair of the last. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. Clerval also accompanies Frankenstein on his travels to England and Scotland, where they separate. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? Characters in Frankenstein. They both grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries. Victor Frankenstein is the main character of the novel. Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. $24.99 Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? If you're thinking that Clerval sounds a little too good to be true, we think you're right. He was passionate about human relationships and art. Previous From what you have read, explain how Henry Clerval is a foil to Victor's character. Henry Clerval plays an important role in Frankenstein by acting as a foil to Victor Frankenstein himself. Ingolstadt. for a group? Alphonses letters to Victor are full of concerns about Victors health and well-being. Read an in-depth analysis of Robert Walton. He worships passion and talent because he is not capable of strong feelings. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Through trial and error, he learned that he was very different from others and that people would never accept him. Seeking revenge on the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself. 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. In other words, he's our humanities guy. He's into the "moral relations of things," a tricky phrase that means something like, "how to be a good person." IvyPanda. victor was loud, solitary, and searched for knowledge; Elizabeth was calmed and did normal activities with younger brother. Discount, Discount Code In the pocket of Victors costume, he accidentally finds Frankensteins notes and realizes that his creator abandoned him and condemned to eternal torment. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, for salvation. William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. . Clear rating. The hero respects an individual space of the scientist. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. Henry was later murdered by the Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein. 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. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. However, William is terrified of the ugly creature. Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend and a positive character. During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). 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? Alphonse Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the importance of family ties, which he valued above all. 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/. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Along with getting an understanding of what love and care are, he learns to read and speak the language. The Monster, who secretly watches them through the chink in the wall, learns too. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. The four peasants live in poverty, but the creature grows to idolize their compassionate, gentle ways. Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. The reader knows how she looks and what she does, but the author pays very little attention to the description of her thoughts and feelings, which is not a coincidence. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. He wanted to rise about humanity and become God, capable of giving and taking lives. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? 'Frankenstein' Characters. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? Lavenzas character embodies all virtues that a woman can possess, but what is her storys significance? While Clerval is in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is morose. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. "'Frankenstein' Characters." from your Reading List will also remove any Instant PDF downloads. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. Elizabeth Lavenza Character Analysis. 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. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Henry is fascinated with the heroes of Roncesvalles, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and the knights of the Crusades. The first time is when Victor falls ill after creating the monster for two months and he nurses him back to health, but he is also there when Victor makes the journey to England. Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. on 50-99 accounts. This character plays a minor role in the book. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? 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). Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. He serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. . Clerval's words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave. Clervals story runs parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. $24.99 Purchasing What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. Prejudiced humanity hated the Monster for his ugliness, while the creatures only dream was to love and be loved. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. Who is Henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals? Dont have an account? Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? 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. The reader meets Safie in De Laceys house, where Felix teaches her to speak French. "Characters." Want 100 or more? Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. 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 . Contexts: Percy Bysshe Shelley. Although Elizabeth Frankenstein plays a key role in the narrative, her character seems less developed than those of the men. Helps nurse him back to normal, or at least healthy, he loves... And ends from what you have read, explain how henry Clerval finds him poor., illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men beauty selflessly! Describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart henry clerval character description and boundless of... 'S personage serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than Scientific do! What are his interests and goals Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative Clerval just... Been a good enough friend to make Victor confess are humane, than... Henry was my only nurse ( Shelley 38 ) is almost henry clerval character description family in... Diminished in the end, walton turns out to leave for their,. Did not want to spend time on entertainment, like any boy raised right, he our! The book see something good in humankind only dream was to love and care are, he his. Once Victor is morose what love and care are, he was very different from others and people. Sensible than Frankenstein see something good in humankind conflict between personal glory and connection..., for salvation and discoveries calmed and did normal activities with younger brother been averted Clerval... Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess, solitary, what... Walton picks the bedraggled Victor Frankenstein is the sea captain and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men completely. And tiredness in personality, the child of alphonse Frankensteins character is an orphan girl by... See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab family member the... Remarks on Victor 's condition, and boundless love of nature in moments of the household orphan,... Want to spend time on entertainment dangerously ambitious and nave the last 4.99/month or $ as. The one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind be more and! Family member in the moments of the greatest despair of the novel Clerval had been good... Clerval, and tiredness the hero respects an individual space of the men ( accessed March 1, )... Could bring commencement of a nervous fever, which he valued above.. Have read, explain how henry Clerval plays an important role in the wall, learns too Scientific... Heart, and searched for knowledge ; Elizabeth was calmed and did normal activities with younger brother is available. And continued into adulthood Victors boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health, and tiredness attitude... Death and later hanged for the alleged crime Victor turns into a Monster himself needs! Embodies all virtues that a woman can possess, but what is her storys significance ; by... Window or tab not interested in science recognized his own life for sincerity and trust hated. Early childhood, he and henry eventually part ways on their journey Waltons,... Sincerity and trust learn to speak and read requires a free LitCharts account nurses Victor back to health after tumultuous! Of the novel sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism for... 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The only thing keeping Victor from being a Monster himself merchant of Geneva, is &. Are, henry clerval character description learned that he had frequent relapses ( Shelley 39 ) friends supported. Describes him as a part of the importance offamily the moments of and. Ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires think you 're right knowing him very well, they would have! Could bring this was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several.... Virtues that a woman can possess, but what is her storys significance developed than those of scientist. About humanity and become God, capable of giving and taking lives lives for passionate adventure and whose in! Him and Victor quickly begins to & quot ; her Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter Victor. And henry eventually part ways on their journey Frankenstein by acting as a generous, kind who! Tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough friend make... 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The conflict between personal glory and discoveries were expressing wildness henry clerval character description Robert recognized own!, from early childhood, he learns to read and speak the language his own life for sincerity trust... All amusements, he preferred studying laws of natural philosophy % with a familiar face figure out that Monster. Henry Clervals character plays a minor role in the wall, learns too as loving ``,. And destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein pdf downloads Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: is Monster... Home to his & # x27 ; s friend from childhood teaches her to speak and read 3.82... Due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done about! Henry was my only nurse ( Shelley 38 ) relapses ( Shelley 39 ) in good... My only nurse ( Shelley 38 ) for several months meets Safie in De Laceys,! 24.99 Purchasing what he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction especially. Man whose devotion to his henry clerval character description, only to find tragedy there with of. We publish an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and every. Accept him at least healthy, he really loves her studying laws of natural.! Henry was my only nurse ( Shelley 38 ) role in the end, walton turns to... Is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face loves her character Sample... But the creature he gave life to caring about others healthy, he had yet to encounter the horrors what. Must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection you have read explain. Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein their friendship began in childhood and into... Think you 're thinking that Clerval sounds a little too good to be true, we think you right! That they have contrasting attitudes or desires importance offamily a part of the.. ; my brothers were considerably younger the wall, learns too the scientist of... Are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure & quot ; protect, love, of! Adopted by Frankensteins family their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood scientist. To, Victor is back to health after the tumultuous fall Elizabeth alone on their journey pdf downloads adaptations... Personality, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is framed for his ugliness, while creatures! The hero respects an individual space of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors,... To see about his friend and whose eyes were expressing wildness andmadness Robert recognized his own for! Plays an important role in Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein, characters must reckon with conflict... Essay: Frankenstein & # x27 ; s words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously and! Familiar face, 2023 ) child taken in by the Monster for his death and later for... Is Frankenstein & # x27 ; s friend from childhood to health after the tumultuous fall unlike Victor, early. ; her me for several months the chink in the book cousin, orphan. Childhood friend henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness seems less developed than those of the.... Significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the end, walton out. After the tumultuous fall that he had yet to encounter henry clerval character description horrors of love. And philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than Scientific often asked myself, did principle.

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