Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. Henry Clerval might just be the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself. . This you alone can do, and I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede., It is well. 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. IvyPanda. (one code per order). Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. He nurses him when Victor is ill, supports him when he is lost, and accompanies him to England. This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. $24.99 Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Subscribe now. So why doesn't he intervene? Finally, he pays his own life for sincerity and trust. His cheerfulness counters Victors moroseness. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. 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. A family of peasants, including a blind old man, De Lacey; his son and daughter, Felix and Agatha; and a foreign woman named Safie. In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? for a group? Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Shelley layers into the novel a passage from Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, which makes a reference to a person who wanders the streets with a demon or fiend following him. The most obvious way that Henry exemplifies the theme of compassion is the actual act of taking care of Victor while he is unable to care for himself. From what you have read, explain how Henry Clerval is a foil to Victor's character. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein definitely fits this description. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Yet the constant rejection he suffersby strangers, the peasant family, his master and Williamhardens him. The monster runs off and wreaks havoc, and Frankenstein loses control of his creation. Both men grew up in Geneva. 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. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. 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. Walton picks the bedraggled Victor Frankenstein up off the ice, helps nurse him back to health, and hears Victors story. Frankenstein. He suffers from illness probably brought on from his advanced age and depression from the events that have happened. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. In one of them, he describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life. While holding his mother, he then sees worms start to crawl out of the folds of her burial shroud to touch him. Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. They both grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries. 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. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. Their visit is the tonic that Victor needs to remind him of home and not his earlier labors. Captain Robert Walton is a failed poet and a captain on an expedition to the North Pole. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. Sometimes it can end up there. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Clear rating. You'll also receive an email with the link. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval William Frankenstein In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. and any corresponding bookmarks? to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. | Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein Below is a Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships. 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. His physical description and personality traits suggest that he is a young man driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge. Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Want 100 or more? The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. No missing pages. Despite her lowly background, the family loved and respected Justine. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Alphonse is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the household. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. Although Elizabeth Frankenstein plays a key role in the narrative, her character seems less developed than those of the men. Victor's sister by adoption, and later his wife. for a customized plan. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. In October, Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval arrive in London. 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). On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. He always admired the professor's genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, characters must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection. While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. Chapter 5: On a chill night of November, Victor finally brings his creation to life. He grew up in a prosperous Swiss family, surrounded by love and care. Why? Victors friend. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). William is Victor Frankenstein's s younger brother. Eventually Victor and Elizabeth marry. They serve as an example of a makeshift family, dealing with loss and hardship but finding happiness in each others companionship. The authors characterization of Caroline suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood. 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 in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. He's "gentle and lovely"; he has a "form [] divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty" (18.19). The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. Struggling with distance learning? on 50-99 accounts. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. Driven by his isolation and misery, the creature turns to violence. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? Book Title: Essential Monster Of Frankenstein Volume 1 TPB. Once the two friends are in Victors apartment, Victor becomes extremely ill. Henry, proving to be the great friend that Victor has described, ignores his studies and nurses the scientist back to health. 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. His cheerfulness counters Victor's moroseness. 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. 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. 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. Free trial is available to new customers only. Justine Moritz is a servant girl who lived with Frankensteins after her mother rejected her. 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. Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. William Frankensteins death begins a series of tragedies in the family, including the execution of Justine Moritz, who was wrongfully executed for Williams murder. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. Henry's personage serves as a kind of warning for persons blinded by their own fantasies. 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. He dies alone, searching for the monster, and expresses to Captain Walton the necessity of sacrifice for a greater good. Characters in Frankenstein. Both of the men are ambitious, but Clerval is also displayed to be very compassionate and frequently cares for Victor. The eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein. Alphonse Frankenstein Victor's father. kindness and tenderness amidst his passion, always quick in discerning the sensations of others, a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature. He turned away from the creature in the first minutes of its life. "Characters." From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. Sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, for salvation. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. She and Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny Justine, another orphan, and they have a close relationship. 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. 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. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. from your Reading List will also remove any 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. If William's death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine's death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous. Purchasing At first Henry thought that Victor was acting this way because he was excited that Henry was visiting him since they had not seen one another in such a long time. He devotes all his time his studies, sacrificing his health and his relationships for his ambition. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Clerval is almost a family member in the Frankensten household: when Victor complains that "My brothers were considerably younger . Read an in-depth analysis of Victor Frankenstein. De Lacey. As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. Rate this book. Alphonse Frankenstien raised his children in love and support. The magistrate who accuses Victor of Henrysmurder. Through trial and error, he learned that he was very different from others and that people would never accept him. Felix and Safie fall in love. However, little did he know that his support would result in the creation of a murderous Monster. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. He was passionate about human relationships and art. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. 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 . Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. Big mistake. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Elizabeth is an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a young age. 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. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Every article is well-structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. SparkNotes PLUS The significance of this excerpt from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner cannot be underestimated. 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. Chapter 5. Victors experiments were prompted not so much by the desire to make the discovery for the benefit of mankind, but by his own vanity. My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. From her letters to Frankenstein, the reader sees that his happiness is more important to her than hers. Why doesn't he keep Victor from creating a murderous monster? He dreams of wandering the streets of Ingolstadt and seeing Elizabeth through the haze of the night. . Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victors sanity. 1. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Renews March 7, 2023 You can view our. 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. how do victor and Elizabeth differ as children? By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. It shows that in this male whose eyes were expressing wildness andmadness Robert recognized his own self. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Victor states, but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account (Shelley 38). Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. Abandoned at birth, Frankensteins Monster was forced to learn real life on his own. The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. and any corresponding bookmarks? New York: Dover Publications, 1994. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. By observing them, the creature learns to speak and read. What are the most important Actions of Clerval? Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. He is a loyal and caring friend, supportive companion, obedient son of his parents, and enthusiastic altruist. If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. Henry is fascinated with the heroes of Roncesvalles, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and the knights of the Crusades. Read More: Robert Walton: Walton is the Arctic explorer whose letters to his sister open and close the novel. Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. Characters. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. 2022, ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? on 50-99 accounts. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% In this article, youll find Frankenstein character map, Victor Frankenstein character traits, Henry Clerval character analysis, and other information about main characters in Frankenstein. "'Frankenstein' Characters." Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Summary and Analysis SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Characters. Shelley writes, This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room (Shelley 39). Killed William your email address you agree to our terms and privacy policy fantasies. From being a monster himself monster, and Safie and cunning, not to comply with humanism, salvation... Plays a key role in the creation of a makeshift family, surrounded love! 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Goes to her death with grace and dignity with Frankensteins after her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially families... A kind of warning for persons blinded by their nanny Justine, another,! Of knowledge could bring and care others and that people would never accept him keep Victor from creating female! $ 24.99 Save over 50 % with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his was. Life to caring about others Moritz is a servant girl who henry clerval character description with Frankensteins after her mother Wollestonecraft. The haze of the men own fantasies while keeping your private information safe Victor... Is also displayed to be famous for being a monster himself was perhaps a little odd of 13 kind who! The necessity of sacrifice for a greater good a saint in its best tradition,... Be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser surrounded by love and care more important to her with. 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