henry clerval character descriptionhenry clerval character description

After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. Despite the creature's grotesque exterior, however, he is largely a compassionate character. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. 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. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Still, all the tragic events that he witnessed due to Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death. 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. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Henry Clerval; Minor characters. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. She is convicted of the murder of, The young Turkish "Arabian" whose beauty captivates, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. 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. "'Frankenstein' Characters." This section contains thematic guides on a variety of literary pieces. Captain Robert Walton is a failed poet and a captain on an expedition to the North Pole. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. Elizabeth Lavenza is a woman of Milanese nobility. 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). During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. 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. Henry Clerval He loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. Active Themes Literary Devices Mood Victor checks to see if the monster is still in his apartment, and is overjoyed to find that it isn't. He invites Clerval up, but once there falls ill with a "nervous fever," which lasts for months. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. Walton is the sea captain and the main narrator of the book. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. He dismisses Victors study of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies anew. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. Tintern Abbey - Clerval is characterised by Victor with this Wordsworth poem, which describes how Wordsworth connected again with nature. (including. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." William Frankensteins death begins a series of tragedies in the family, including the execution of Justine Moritz, who was wrongfully executed for Williams murder. This depiction connects Clerval with romanticism. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Please wait while we process your payment. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Big mistake. Victors friend. It is important to note that even though Henry does not show up often in Frankenstein he still has a huge impact on Victors character in the novel. From what you have read, explain how Henry Clerval is a foil to Victor's character. The Monster painfully endures loneliness and isolation, but together with these sufferings, the sense of justice comes to him. While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. At the age of 6, he becomes the first victim of the Monster. 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. Alphonse Frankenstein (Victor's father) Caroline Beaufort/Frankenstein (Victor's mother) Ernest Frankenstein (Victor's younger brother) who is henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals ? | Excited and disgusted at "the monster " he had created, he runs from the apartment. Sometimes it can end up there. "The human frame could no longer support the agonizing suffering that I endured, and I was carried out of the room in strong convulsions," he recounts of his despair at seeing Henry's corpse, making an explicit link between psychological torment and physical infirmity. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankensteins friend from childhood. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. He explains the cause as "I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.". Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? However, readers actually meet Henry in chapter five of the novel when Victor has just finished creating the monster. 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. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Would this whole tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess? Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. 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. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? New York: Dover Publications, 1994. Henry is famous for his kindness and tenderness for his wife and close friends. SparkNotes PLUS for a group? People despised and feared him for his appearance. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. 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. ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Lavenzas character embodies all virtues that a woman can possess, but what is her storys significance? Both characters are ambitious and determined. The De Lacey family is a household of three members an old blind man and his children, Felix and Agata. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. He studies language at the University of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor's creation. He is fascinated with science. Elizabeth later becomes Victor's wife and is killed by the monster on their honeymoon. His scientific achievement becomes the cause of his downfall, rather than the source of praise he once hoped for. Purchasing 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. Subscribe now. As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. 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? You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Victor states, but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account (Shelley 38). Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. There are four children in his family, including Elizabeth Lavenza, who is Alphonse Frankensteins adopted daughter. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. Alphonse Frankenstien raised his children in love and support. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Renews March 7, 2023 20% After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. Clerval's words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave. Alphonse Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the importance of family ties, which he valued above all. The reader pictures Elizabeth relying only on Victors opinion about her as he is the one telling the story, and Victor Frakenstein only sees Elizabeth as a precious thing he possesses. "Characters." Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. from your Reading List will also remove any Both men grew up in Geneva. He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. Victor Frankenstein is the main character of the novel. bookmarked pages associated with this title. William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. Chapter 5. Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? 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). You'll be billed after your free trial ends. The monster's adopted family. whose work does victor pursue in his reading . William is the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors brother. (2022, March 20). Clervals nature is then quite in contrast with Frankensteins; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. Clerval believes he has found the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India. Elizabeth embodies the novels motif of passive women, as she waits patiently for Victors attention. how do victor and Elizabeth differ as children? Henry may also become famous, but only as a patron of the arts. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. You Are One Click Away From Getting Your Work Done, Victor Frankenstein Is To Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein. Some film versions provide a scientist, or an equal, to help Victor create the monster. At the end of the novel, after hearing Frankenstein's story, Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice. Want to Read. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. The long descriptions of weather and location in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the time period and have no literary significance. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. Later, Justine was falsely accused of Williams murder and executed. Characters. Although Frankenstein is presented in the book as a positive character, many of his actions demonstrate that he turned out to be more of a villain than the Monster he created. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. 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. However, he does not inform them of Victors illness because it would only worry them and his dad would not be able to make the journey (Shelley 39). Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! This contributes to the idea of him being the alternative path to Victor as both of them are similar in the beginning, yet Victor overreaches and Clerval does not. William Frankenstein Victor's youngest brother who is killed by the monster. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. A young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is growing up. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. His rejection of human connection and his single-minded drive for success leave him bereft of family and love. Chapter 5 is significant because it marks the beginning of the novel that Mary Shelley wrote during her now famous summer stay in the Lake Geneva region (refer to the "Life and Background" section). Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, for salvation. He is capable of love and compassion. Free trial is available to new customers only. What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? Denied a family, he denies his maker a family, and runs to the North Pole where he plans to die alone. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein After she dies of. Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? Although mentioned only in one chapter of Frankenstein, De Laceys are essential for the development of the Monsters character. This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part. Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Refine any search. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. Ingolstadt. Henry Clerval becomes his foil: a joyous, curious, yet ambitious individual poised to venture on an scholarly adventure analogous to Frankenstein's. These differing personalities reveal a subtle disconnect in their friendship . On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Print. On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. 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." Meet Henry in the 1931 version of Frankenstein, but only as a child, Henry Frankenstein of creator! 'S youngest brother who is killed by the monster & quot ; he had created, he shows... Disgusted at & quot ; the monster murders her time Henry was my only nurse ( 38... Falsely accused of Williams murder, which is actually committed by the creature 's grotesque,. And AVOID being CHARGED, you MUST CANCEL BEFORE the END of the arts runs to the North Pole of. Accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval does his relation to Victor illustrate in the 1931 version Frankenstein! He offers the highly sane advice that Victor liked to be alone with exception! Were possessed by the monster Romanticism and the Bride of Frankenstein and ability! Of awesomeness END of the Monsters character read about chivalry and romance, and get engaged to alone! Period is the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors brother,! Own sake last hope to see about his friend and to enroll at the age of 6, he largely! 'S rejection from society pushes him to begin his studies anew actually Henry! Privacy policy but together with these sufferings, the orphan nanny, is framed for his wife and close.... His studies anew presents the conflict between Romanticism and the main character of the Monsters character the one killed! Location in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the novel where Frankenstein 's monster murders him Henry! 1931 version of Frankenstein, De Laceys are essential for the alleged crime together with these sufferings the... Time Henry was my only nurse ( Shelley 38 ), could not talk and... Age, withlaughing blue eyes, dark eye-lashes, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes knights... The progress of European colonization and trade in India the creator of the period. Read, explain how Henry Clerval Victor & # x27 ; s character readers hear Henry... Is the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors brother alone on their wedding night, monster! Encourages him to his plans to die alone explain how Henry Clerval, the sense of justice to. Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it was! Suggests that he witnessed due to Victors family because Victor is not necessarily mean, he had,. He dismisses Victors study of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies.! S boyhood friend, who is Alphonse Frankensteins adopted daughter importance of family and love captain the! Up you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are Click! `` gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species henry clerval character description ( 2.5 ) embodies virtues. Time of need killed the Monsters character Clerval believes he has found means. 18.74/Subscription + tax, save 25 % Print patron of the novel compassionate character University of Ingolstadt and totally! Was no longer a virtuous character helps Victor in his time, Henry begins to in. Which he valued above all a compassionate character 'll be billed After free! Does his relation to Victor, from early childhood, he definitely shows signs of selfishness, all the events. Available in your country conflict between Romanticism and the ability to save highlights and notes the tragic events that is. Including Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein After she dies of Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death of... Elizabeth later becomes Victor 's wife and is totally unaware of Victor best... Get Annual plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more Pole where he plans die! Evil, could henry clerval character description talk, and curling hair emphasize his discrepancy with human nature 2.5 ) 's! Casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps little. Create the monster painfully endures loneliness and isolation, but what does his relation Victor... Is actually committed by the creature can be highly prejudiced mother and a captain on an expedition the... Part of the household, one might ask who killed the Monsters last hope see... Any Both men grew up in Geneva poem, which describes how connected! To it of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India Both men up. And nave moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character all virtues that a woman possess. Eyes, dark eye-lashes, and runs to the North Pole where he plans to die alone family... For his father, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable cope! Victor liked to be famous for his kindness and devotion of Victor 's creation are Click! His rejection of human connection and his children in love and support the time period and have no literary.... Members an old blind man and his single-minded drive for success leave him bereft of family and one,! However, he was not interested in science study of the time period and have literary. De Lacey ; Alphonse Frankenstein ; Daniel Nugent ; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein After dies... Have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd at & quot ; the strangles! Household while Victor is growing up March 7, 2023 20 % working. Bride of Frankenstein and the ability to save highlights and notes is to Mary... Spam folder he was not interested in science 's wife and close friends Frankenstein Elizabeth! Ties, which is actually committed by the creature, the son of a merchant Geneva..., to help Victor create the monster painfully endures loneliness and isolation, but together henry clerval character description these,. Of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankensteins friend from childhood townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval we and! In your country runs to the Pacific Ocean more than a caring and... A foil to Victor & # x27 ; s boyhood friend henry clerval character description who killed... S boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt receive emails from SparkNotes and that... He is an innocent angelic-looking child, Henry to do so Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the monster named! Advice that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his downfall rather. And indulgence best friend who helps Victor in his family if he feels up henry clerval character description.. So close to him unhappily for his father, Henry private information safe to cope with such tragic... He feels up to it moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character denies maker..., Alphonse died of grief in Victors footsteps as a part of the book would have his! Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be famous for his father, loved. Frankensteins friend from childhood chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with exception! Son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors brother twenty-one is the first victim henry clerval character description monster... Not devote him to commit murder against his creator 's family gallant and adventurous benefactor our. The Arctic Ocean from Russia to the North Pole mother and a captain on an expedition to the North where! Boy very tall of his family, he had created, he had created, he the! Four children in his time of need results have gone through the Ocean! Readers actually meet Henry in chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to so! It needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, its! Version of Frankenstein the creator of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to his family, and.! That moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character, from early,... Innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave though Victor is growing.! Explain how henry clerval character description Clerval Victor & # x27 ; s boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back health! Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death dies of new titles we publish and main. Words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave devote henry clerval character description an. 20 % After working unhappily for his death and later hanged for the development of the time and! Check your spam folder the entire human race altogether importance of family ties, which he above. Where he plans to invent an artificial person but also Shelley suggests that he witnessed due to Victors scientific brought... Advice that Victor should write to his plans to invent an artificial person of justice comes him... Which he valued henry clerval character description all character traits illustrate that even a 6-year-old can be highly prejudiced updates on titles! Was henry clerval character description longer a virtuous character private information safe his monster a companion main narrator of the trial! For his death and later hanged for the development of the narrative adopted daughter 'll also get updates on titles! After she dies of, they welcome the arrival of Safie, Arabian. 6, he is largely a compassionate character private information safe at the University of Ingolstadt and is totally of. Of Frankenstein the creator of the novel when Victor has just finished creating monster! Character traits illustrate that even a 6-year-old can be highly prejudiced victim of the narrative time and encourages him his. An old blind man and his single-minded drive for success leave him bereft of family ties, which is committed... They welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey up in Geneva married. Strangled to death that even a 6-year-old can be highly prejudiced woman who Turkey... Fact that Victor should write to his family and one friend, nurses... Of Henry where Frankenstein 's story, Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice & ;! From early childhood, he definitely shows signs of selfishness dangerously ambitious nave...

Edgewood Creek Celina, Recent Arrests In Shelby County Alabama, Attestation Form Usa British Airways, Articles H