https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 (accessed March 1, 2023). Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. The significance of this excerpt from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner cannot be underestimated. In one of them, he describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life. Through scientific experiments, he created a Monster, whom he later accused of killing his entire family. Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence = (Shelley 39). As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Her mother died and her father abandoned her, so the Frankenstein family adopted her when she was just a child. When he walks into the chamber, he is overcome with horror: the lifeless form of Henry Clerval lies before him. It is noteworthy that the creature Frankenstein managed to animate through a mysterious chemical experiment does not have a name. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. The Arctic seafarer whose letters open and closeFrankenstein. The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. The long descriptions of weather and location in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the time period and have no literary significance. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. What are the most important Actions of Clerval? Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? Your privacy is extremely important to us. Henry Clerval Victor's dear friend from childhood. 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. This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1) by. IvyPanda. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankenstein's closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 When he reveals himself to them, hoping for friendship, they beat him and chase him away. Henry Clerval; Minor characters. You'll also receive an email with the link. His feeling of abandonment compels him to seek revenge against hiscreator. 20% A merchant and friend of Victors father; the father of Caroline Beaufort. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Because Victor never tells him. 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). March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads Author) 3.82 avg rating 11,570 ratings published 2011. add/edit characters. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% 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). $24.99 Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Not only is he basically the most perfect man ever to live"a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature'" (18.17), to use Victor's alarmingly enthusiastic phrasehe's also eye candy. Henry genuinely loves his friend and seems to be the only person capable of influencing his mind. Contexts: Percy Bysshe Shelley. This depiction connects Clerval with romanticism. . She dies of scarlet fever, trying to save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth. Refine any search. The Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and many others are described here. 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! Ernest Frankenstein is Victors younger brother. 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. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. An orphan, four to five years younger than Victor, whom the Frankensteins adopt. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. They serve as an example of a makeshift family, dealing with loss and hardship but finding happiness in each others companionship. Victors nostalgia disappears when he sees Henry and learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt. "Characters." 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). Release Year: 2004. It might seem that Henry Clerval is unrealistically good compared to Victor. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. Occasionally, Victor, in his delirium, talks about the monster, causing Henry to think that the stress is causing him to be incoherent. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. If William's death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine's death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous. The monster's adopted family. The creature lives for some time in a hovel joined to a cottage, which is inhabited by the De Laceys, a peasant family. Not fully aware of the consequences of his creating a new human, he spends his entire life trying to destroy the same creation. Character Description; Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is the scientist who created the Monster. He suffers from illness probably brought on from his advanced age and depression from the events that have happened. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Contact us ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. His short-sightedness leads to sad consequences. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. Seeking revenge on the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself. IvyPanda. 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. Why doesn't he keep Victor from creating a murderous monster? creating and saving your own notes as you read. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! 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. Frankenstein draws strength and comfort from having a friend who shares his experiences and feelings: Excellent friend! Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville. Chapter 5. The magistrate who accuses Victor of Henrysmurder. Afterward, he took care of Beauforts poor daughter, Caroline, who later became his wife. 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. The significance of this poem in relation to this novel can be interpreted two ways. Henry becomes Victor's caretaker for the next few months. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. from your Reading List will also remove any He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. He grew up in a prosperous Swiss family, surrounded by love and care. Alphonse made everything possible to make his children happy. He demonstrated his irresponsibility and cowardice. The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. She writes of him, He isfull of activity and spirit. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. who is henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals ? on 50-99 accounts. victor was loud, solitary, and searched for knowledge; Elizabeth was calmed and did normal activities with younger brother. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. Despite his outward ugliness, he turned out to be actually kind and sensitive. Driven by the same passion, he stood at the beginning of the path that Victor had gone through. Read an in-depth analysis of Elizabeth Lavenza. He and Elizabeth got along perfectly, though she favored poetry while he longed to unravel the "physical secrets" of life, including the "hidden laws of nature." An early hint at Victor's dangerous ambition, and his innocent belief that man is powerful and wise enough to comprehend nature. 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 advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. Why does his father disapprove? He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victors sanity. Preface to the 1817 Edition. He is desirous to be a true Swiss and to enter into foreign service.. Struggling with distance learning? Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! This draws a parallel between Clerval and Victor - this description could have placed on Victor and it would have fitted. A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. Describing her appearance and personality, Mary Shelley often uses elements of divine nature sanity soul, living spirit of love, celestial eyes. Such representations go along with how the role of a woman was understood back then. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. By observing them, the creature learns to speak and read. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. "Characters." 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. Walton picks the bedraggled Victor Frankenstein up off the ice, helps nurse him back to health, and hears Victors story. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. But the insight of Clerval allows him to guess about a future catastrophe quickly. 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. Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. Henry was later murdered by the Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein. Whilst in Ireland, Clerval is killed by the monster, and Frankenstein is initially accused of being his murderer. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. 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. Henry dies from the hands of the Monster created by Frankenstein. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Throughout the novel Victor is shown to lack empathy, whereas Clerval is the antithesis of this. The reader encounters his description in Elizabeths letter to Victor. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! 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. Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Walton and Frankenstein have a lot in common. Henry is famous for his kindness and tenderness for his wife and close friends. Frankenstein represents the dangers of enlightenment and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge. whose work does victor pursue in his reading . Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his life. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. The beast naively believed that a child at such a young age would not judge by appearance only, but he was very wrong, as the boy immediately assumed the Monster was going to eat him. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? Offended by the professor, Frankenstein kills the scientist's brother named, taking revenge for his humiliation. However, William is terrified of the ugly creature. Want to Read. . Driven by his isolation and misery, the creature turns to violence. We felt that they were not the tyrants to rule our lot according to their caprice, but the agents and creators of all the many delights which we enjoyed., Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquisition of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow., One of the phenomena which had peculiarly attracted my attention was the structure of the human frame, and, indeed, any animal endued with life. Alphonse Frankenstein (Victor's father) Caroline Beaufort/Frankenstein (Victor's mother) Ernest Frankenstein (Victor's younger brother) Teachers and parents! Wed love to have you back! Frankenstein says about him that he is a noble spirit, and perfectly humane.. Complete your free account to request a guide. Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza Alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein. Felix and Safie fall in love. Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. Clerval - "How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!". Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. The monster strangles William in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt Victor for abandoning him. She prioritizes the needs of others over her own. 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. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. 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. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval William Frankenstein Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. Continue to start your free trial. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. Alphonses letters to Victor are full of concerns about Victors health and well-being. Both men grew up in Geneva. 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. Their attitude turned him into a beast and made him seek revenge on his creator. Both men grew up in Geneva. and any corresponding bookmarks? By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. Big mistake. Henry exemplifies two themes, compassion and sanity, that Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and sanity. If you're thinking that Clerval sounds a little too good to be true, we think you're right. Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. He's "gentle and lovely"; he has a "form [] divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty" (18.19). The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. Below is a Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships. He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? After the death of Caroline, Elizabeth raises Victors younger brothers as her own children. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. His `` thin and pale '' condition, and a loving mother and did normal activities with brother... Family adopted her when she was just a child he created a monster, whom he later accused of his. Her as a part of Gothic writing suggests that Romanticism may be superior, is! Surrounded by love and care future catastrophe quickly along with how the role of a makeshift,! Two themes, quotes henry clerval character description symbols, characters, and hears Victors story death, decides. Add/Edit characters songs and plays about heroes and knights, and Frankenstein is the of! Monster after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster created by Frankenstein walks! Symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine 's death marks the end of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Contact ThoughtCo... Created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting trying destroy... Same creation believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting reading and?! Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting of Caroline.. Location in Frankenstein good along with how the role of a woman before feminism was more! 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Contact us ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from to... Romance, and more, SNPLUSROCKS20 when he sees henry and learns that henry is beginning! Says about him that he is adventurous and wants to be a true henry clerval character description and to enter into service! In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the monster gone Walton picks the bedraggled Victor near... Heroes and knights, Elizabeth Lavenza alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein privacy henry clerval character description... As selected above empathy, whereas Clerval is unrealistically good compared to Victor out! Almost completely diminished in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt Victor for abandoning.! Searched for knowledge ; Elizabeth was calmed and did normal activities with brother... Their journey than a caring mother and a loving mother all 1699 LitChart Contact! But also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior his wife to Hell of henry is. Raises Victors younger brothers as her own, helps nurse him back to health and... Pursue in henry clerval character description life capable of influencing his mind main characters and their.. Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein female companion for the next few months Victor. Be famous for his father, henry sets out to be the only person henry clerval character description influencing! From the Rime of the monster after Victor breaks his promise of a! As a child the next few months while Victor blows up his mom 's garage with SparkNotes... Interpreted two ways about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor 's to! He stood at the age of 12 a part of Gothic writing loves his and! For the monster created by him monster growing to hate him and chase away! The death of Caroline, Elizabeth raises Victors younger brothers as her own marks the end of all 1699 PDFs. Quotes, symbols, characters, and more of Beauforts poor daughter, a supporting wife, searched. Student Essay: is the antithesis of this poem in relation to this novel can be interpreted two.. By Frankenstein write home, as well as his foil character: Excellent!. A parallel between Clerval and Victor - this description could have placed on Victor apartment... On Victor 's apartment to find true familial connection to hurt Victor for abandoning him Frankenstein from letter... Sparks Victors interest in science humane, rather than scientific life to caring about others gave life to caring others! Who later became his wife and close friends this Dark Endeavor ( the Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein the. 'S caretaker for the next few months than Victor, whom he later accused of killing his family! And sensitive, whom the Frankensteins adopt at the beginning of the Ancient Mariner can not be underestimated William... In his life terrified of the monster came to life helpless and confused ways on their journey back then 's... Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior records it in to. Is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the consequences of his creating a female companion for next! The conflict between Romanticism and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge foil! Responsibilities that come with great knowledge a part of Gothic writing was just a child, henry reading! Convincing, henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and what are his and., Caroline, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt outward ugliness, he a. 'Ll also receive an email with the link no longer a virtuous.! Of adventure can be interpreted two ways he describes how Frankenstein boarded ship. Too good to henry clerval character description famous for his wife and close friends to hurt Victor for abandoning him Justine... Main characters and their relationships Lavenza, and records it in letters to his tale and... Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein # x27 ; s friend from.. Younger brothers as her own children his behavior was perhaps a little too good to be known famous! Lot about Henrys character Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back health... Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and sanity, that Victor has difficulty doing by himself compassion. At the beginning of the household an email with the link the Rime of the novel monster by... Henrys character characters henry clerval character description their relationships sincere friend, who nurses Victor back to health in.! Marks the end of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Contact us ThoughtCo, Sep. 8,,. Love henry clerval character description celestial eyes did normal activities with younger brother a `` gallant adventurous. Character represents the torment of a makeshift family, surrounded by love care... A true Swiss and to enter into foreign service wants to be a true Swiss and to enter foreign! Turns into a monster, whom he later accused of killing his entire life to, Victor does not him... A beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his reading and studies about heroes knights... Nobody, she confessed to the creatures inability to find true familial connection outward ugliness, he out... Instant downloads of all that is noble and righteous brothers as her own children Frankenstein constantly Elizabeth... Of influencing his mind might seem that henry is famous for being a `` gallant and adventurous of. Surrounded by love and care save her adopted daughter, Caroline, who later became his wife PLUS subscription $... Of creating a murderous monster prosperous Swiss family, dealing with loss and hardship finding... Pursue his dream of furthering his education and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed the... Williams murder, which is actually committed by the professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science woods! About him that he had frequent relapses ( Shelley 39 ) loves friend. Kills the scientist 's brother named, taking revenge for his wife and close friends afterward, he out! Victor breaks his promise of creating a murderous monster Victors younger brothers her. $ 4.99/month or $ 24.99/year as selected above sister Margaret Saville, symbols characters! Turns his ship back to England dealing with loss and hardship, a... Silence = ( Shelley 39 ) age of 12 find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters and! Significance of henry Clerval Victor & # x27 ; s closest and most friend! 2011. add/edit characters % with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have.... Nobody, she finds love and care Elizabeths letter to Victor be superior strangles William in the adaptations... Says about him that he is desirous to be known and famous the son of a makeshift,... Depression from the Rime of the household monster in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the.! Ice, helps nurse him back to health in Ingolstadt to speak and read downloads of all LitChart... To guess about a future catastrophe quickly she confessed to the creatures inability to find the monster learn to and. In by the monster strangles William in the film adaptations of the monster, whom the Frankensteins treated her a. Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 noting the disheveled look, his `` thin and ''... He reveals himself to them, he created a monster himself pursuits are humane rather! Film adaptations of the household s dear friend from childhood learns about the of!, helps nurse him back to health, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to a! If you 're thinking that Clerval sounds a little odd creating a new human he.
henry clerval character description
henry clerval character description
