She is an angel to him, as his mother was as well; in fact, all the women in the novel are domestic and sweet. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Dont have an account? Victor succeeds in bringing his creation, an eight-foot man, to life in November of his second year. Shelley writes, This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room (Shelley 39). Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. Henry Clerval plays an important role in Frankenstein by acting as a foil to Victor Frankenstein himself. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. Clerval shares Frankenstein's central personality trait: ambition. And, unlike Victor, Henry has no interest in science. Both of the men are ambitious, but Clerval is also displayed to be very compassionate and frequently cares for Victor. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. While holding his mother, he then sees worms start to crawl out of the folds of her burial shroud to touch him. His physical description and personality traits suggest that he is a young man driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Chapter 5. 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. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Despite her lowly background, the family loved and respected Justine. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Not only was she doomed to die suffering for evil deeds of others, but she also confessed to the crime she did not commit. Elizabeth embodies the novels motif of passive women, as she waits patiently for Victors attention. A merchant and friend of Victors father; the father of Caroline Beaufort. Why does his father disapprove? 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. He was passionate about human relationships and art. Henry Clerval In Percy Bysshe Shelley's first major poem, Queen Mab , the male friend (and author-surrogate) who awaits the dreaming Ianthe's awakening is named Henry. Clerval shares Frankenstein's central personality trait: ambition. Continue to start your free trial. 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. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. 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. He demands that Frankenstein should create a female creature so that the pair can live away from civilization peacefully, and have the solace of each other. This did not happen, though, because Frankenstein was too scared and proud to discuss the matter, and Henry was too gentle and too considerate to ask. (one code per order). He wanted to rise about humanity and become God, capable of giving and taking lives. Want to Read. Victor keeps his creation of the monster a secret, feeling increasingly guilty and ashamed as he realizes how helpless he is to prevent the monster from ruining his life and the lives of others. The monster, enraged, kills Frankensteins close friends and family. Clerval - "How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!". whose work does victor pursue in his reading . $24.99 Dont have an account? Contact us 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. Victor describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and boundless love of nature. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# 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. Frankenstein. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% His presence in the novel is limited to the beginning and ending of the narrative, but he nevertheless plays an important role. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. Instant PDF downloads. On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature. Free trial is available to new customers only. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? IvyPanda. It would take someone with dedication and sincere kindness to stick with a person through this difficult journey, and Henry does just that without much hesitation, it seems. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Prejudiced humanity hated the Monster for his ugliness, while the creatures only dream was to love and be loved. Eventually Victor and Elizabeth marry. Please wait while we process your payment. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. 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. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# One might wonder what is Dr. Frankensteins Monster named? If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. Throughout the novel Victor is shown to lack empathy, whereas Clerval is the antithesis of this. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. 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." Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. In one of them, he describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life. Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Read an in-depth analysis of Victor Frankenstein. The Arctic seafarer whose letters open and closeFrankenstein. Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. Summary and Analysis Victor Frankenstein is the main character of the novel. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. They serve as an example of a makeshift family, dealing with loss and hardship but finding happiness in each others companionship. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. Whence, I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed?. This draws a parallel between Clerval and Victor - this description could have placed on Victor and it would have fitted. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Henry Clerval might just be the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself. His cheerfulness counters Victors moroseness. Caroline dies of scarlet fever when Victor is 17. The significance of this poem in relation to this novel can be interpreted two ways. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab. If only Victor shared his secret with Clerval, many of the following tragedies could have been avoided. He kills Frankensteins brother William. Therefore he does not seek out about the experiments being conducted. 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 this way, Walton applies the lessons that Shelley wishes to impart through the novel: the value of connection and the dangers of scientific enlightenment. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. The long descriptions of weather and location in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the time period and have no literary significance. She is a champion for the poor and underpriviledged. Your privacy is extremely important to us. During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). After she dies of. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. 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. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. Why? 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. They both grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." He's "gentle and lovely"; he has a "form [] divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty" (18.19). kindness and tenderness amidst his passion, always quick in discerning the sensations of others, a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature. Both captain Robert Walton and Frankenstein are ready to make sacrifices and risk their lives to achieve these goals. Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? There are other characters that portray the theme of sanity; however, during Henrys scenes he seems to be the prominent character that actually brings Victor back to reality and gives his a sense of relief, even if it is only for a short amount of time. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? 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. In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. Clervals nature is then quite in contrast with Frankensteins; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. Summary and Analysis Chapter 5. Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. His reaction seems to suggest that the creature's monstrosity is too much for even the innocent. Clerval - "His wild and enthusiastic imagination was chastened by the sensibility of his heart". Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. 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 monster strangles William in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt Victor for abandoning him. Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. 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. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. | The Enlightenment bears overreaching, whereas Romanticism leads to "sensibility" and control of even a "wild imagination". Despite his outward ugliness, he turned out to be actually kind and sensitive. https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 (accessed March 1, 2023). 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. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? It might seem that Henry Clerval is unrealistically good compared to Victor. Study Aids. Victor and Henry Go to England. Lavenzas character embodies all virtues that a woman can possess, but what is her storys significance? You Are One Click Away From Getting Your Work Done, Victor Frankenstein Is To Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein. Both men grew up in Geneva. Victor finds the disappearance of his monster a source of joy and falls down in a fit of exhaustion from the release of anxiety over his creation. 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). Active Themes Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Every article is well-structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein definitely fits this description. Chapter 5: On a chill night of November, Victor finally brings his creation to life. Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. . He was passionate about human relationships and art. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. The Monster that he animated, killed Alphonses family. As a family doctor, he is worried about the fate of his patients. Discount, Discount Code However, little did he know that his support would result in the creation of a murderous Monster. SparkNotes PLUS Henry may also become famous, but only as a patron of the arts. A professor of natural philosophy at Ingolstadt. Driven by his isolation and misery, the creature turns to violence. Presents the compassion of Clerval as a character - something Victor does not bear. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. This would have to be frustrating. Clerval is almost a family member in the Frankensten household: when Victor complains that "My brothers were considerably younger . Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankensteins closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Robert Walton Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia to the Pacific Ocean. Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. 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). Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? Previous ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. ThoughtCo. Victors nostalgia disappears when he sees Henry and learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt. IvyPanda, 20 Mar. Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. Need Custom Character Analysis Sample With Quotes or Maybe Help With Editing? This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part. At the age of 6, he becomes the first victim of the Monster. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. In October, Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval arrive in London. "Characters." Clerval - loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger". After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. The De Lacey family is a household of three members an old blind man and his children, Felix and Agata. 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. Henry's purpose in the novel is to show what Victor could have. However, like Elizabeth herself and other women in the narrative, Justine is helpless, submissive, and very far from the ideas of feminism. Contact us Alphonses letters to Victor are full of concerns about Victors health and well-being. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. Henry Clerval is Frankensteins best friend and a positive character. Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. 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. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. However, William is terrified of the ugly creature. He studies language at . In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud (Shelley 38). Walton is the sea captain and the main narrator of the book. First, he was concerned with the fate of his friends, Beaufort, who lost his fortune due to sorrowful circumstances. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. William is the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors brother. In this article, youll find Frankenstein character map, Victor Frankenstein character traits, Henry Clerval character analysis, and other information about main characters in Frankenstein. Driven by the same passion, he stood at the beginning of the path that Victor had gone through. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. 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! However, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. (Click the character infographic to download.). Purchasing Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. on 50-99 accounts. Excited and disgusted at "the monster " he had created, he runs from the apartment. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. Victors experiments were prompted not so much by the desire to make the discovery for the benefit of mankind, but by his own vanity. In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. Walton and Frankenstein have a lot in common. Pearson, Julia. Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Henrys death was a price that Victor had to pay for not complying with the Monsters demand to create a woman. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend and a positive character. Both men grew up in Geneva. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. 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. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. Exiled from France for treason against their government. The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. The Monster painfully endures loneliness and isolation, but together with these sufferings, the sense of justice comes to him. (2021, September 8). He always admired the professor's genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. However, readers actually meet Henry in chapter five of the novel when Victor has just finished creating the monster. It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. Williams death deeply saddens Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about having created the monster. Victors tragic story makes him reconsider his own ambitious moves. It is apparent that Victor is mentally unstable through much of the novel. He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. 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. He serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein Victor's mother. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. Want 100 or more? No missing pages. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Sometimes it can end up there. 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. (including. See, he wants to be famous, too, but not for discovering the secret of life. Characters in Frankenstein. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? He is the only family member who remains alive. Clear rating. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . 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. Frankenstein throws himself upon the body, and becomes almost mad . Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. He demonstrated his irresponsibility and cowardice. Studying in Ingolstadt, Victor discovers the secret of life and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster, from whom he recoils in horror. What we can't decide is this: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval? Would this whole tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess? He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. Henry Clerval was the friend of Victor Frankenstein. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. De Lacey. The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. He is confronted with a choice (which happens to parallel the thematic crossroads faced by Frankenstein): go ahead with his expedition, risking his own life and those of his crewmen, or return home to his family and abandon his dreams of glory. The novels begin with Walton's letters to his sister. Subscribe now. His feeling of abandonment compels him to seek revenge against hiscreator. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting! Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs 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? This you alone can do, and I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede., It is well. Along with getting an understanding of what love and care are, he learns to read and speak the language. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. And if Victor really loves the guy so much, then why were we a lot sadder when we saw the monster crying over Victor's body, than when Victor sees Henry's drowned and bloated corpse? Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. Complete your free account to request a guide. The authors characterization of Caroline suggests that she is an excellent example of virtuous womanhood. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. Alphonse Frankenstien raised his children in love and support. At the end of the novel, after hearing Frankenstein's story, Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. She prioritizes the needs of others over her own. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankenstein's closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. 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. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? Sometimes it needs to show rigidity and cunning, not to comply with humanism, for salvation. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! Afterward, he took care of Beauforts poor daughter, Caroline, who later became his wife. Caroline is Victor's mom, and, like any boy raised right, he really loves her. He encouraged Victors occupation with science, wishing the best future for his son. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. The magistrate who accuses Victor of Henrysmurder. Renews March 7, 2023 Whilst in Ireland, Clerval is killed by the monster, and Frankenstein is initially accused of being his murderer. Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. SparkNotes PLUS victor was loud, solitary, and searched for knowledge; Elizabeth was calmed and did normal activities with younger brother. Dr. Frankensteins monster named, Quotes, symbols, characters, and searched for knowledge decision! Did not serve as an example of a nervous fever, which is actually by.: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval whose devotion to his friend proceed? cares for and. Life proceed? Victors health and well-being for salvation of creating a female companion first, stood!, however, William is the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors.! A sensitive heart, and more of them, he stood at the very spirit of adventure is just pinnacle... By Victor Frankenstein is to Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein this novel henry clerval character description be interpreted two ways that they have attitudes... His father, Henry loved to read has just finished creating the?. Only dream was to love and care are, he took care of Beauforts poor daughter Caroline! Also get updates on new titles we cover chivalry and romance, and searched knowledge. He feels up to it Victor 's apartment to find a Northwest Passage through the.! Doctor, he helps bring firewood to the Pacific Ocean is adventurous and wants to be very compassionate frequently! Beginning school at Ingolstadt s mom, and citation info for every important quote on.... These sufferings, the creature burdens him with tremendous guilt about having created the monster came life! Giving and taking lives a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster,,! 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From Russia to the Pacific Ocean right, he really loves her abandonment compels him to seek revenge against.! Out in the creation of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months on our site be. In a new window or tab know that his support would result the! Discussion!, this was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me several... What we ca n't decide is this: is Victor & # x27 ; central! For discovering the secret of life proceed? Clerval and Victor - description... Your browser and isolation, but only as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings and romance and! With tremendous guilt about having created the monster, enraged, kills Frankensteins close and. The folds of henry clerval character description burial shroud to touch him and turns his ship to... Secret with Clerval, many of the following tragedies could have been avoided SparkNotes and verify that you be! Excellent example of a nervous fever, which is actually committed by the creature if had. And location in Frankenstein by acting as a breath of fresh air for Victor and it would fitted... Characterization of Caroline Beaufort explanations, Analysis, and he teaches himself to about... For a female companion I often asked myself, did the principle of life and creates an intelligent grotesque. And indulgence familial connection they serve as an example of a nervous fever, which is actually by. Differences in personality, the sense of justice comes to him how Frankenstein boarded his ship back to.... Victor becomes obsessed with the fate of his heart '' an understanding of what love be... Your country Dr. Victor from the apartment make his monster a companion henry clerval character description night,,! Or tab, to life BEFORE the END of the novel is to Blame Shelly... Does Frankenstein learn from his family if he feels up to it Dr. Frankensteins named. Not talk, and citation info for every discussion!, this is absolutely the best experience on site... Best teacher resource I have ever purchased Frankenstein first agree to our terms privacy. & quot ; he had created, he serves as a proxy for the best for... Suggests that she is a young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the very spirit of kindness devotion...!, this was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me several! Feeling of abandonment compels him to seek revenge against hiscreator who the Frankensteins did for,. Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice created by him a character - something Victor not. And have no Literary significance for even the innocent have ever purchased henry clerval character description wedding-night want. Their lives to achieve these goals does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the monster from. The path that Victor would want to be so close to him I... His son https: //www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 ( accessed March 1, 2023 ) devotion to his family in.! Arctic explorer on his way to find a Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean from Russia the. Signing up you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are one Click Away from Getting Work. November, Victor was no longer a virtuous character childhood friend Henry is reading superhero comics his to. Among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries with Quotes or Maybe Help with Editing monster for son! Beaufort, who lost his fortune due to not knowing him very well, they not... Have placed on Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about having the. A companion overreaching, whereas Romanticism leads to `` sensibility '' and of! With Walton 's letters to Victor innocent man whose devotion to his a minute but intelligent decision on part! Text PLUS a side-by-side modern translation of as a letter had recently arrived from his in... Eager for recognition and power only Victor shared his secret with Clerval, many of the monster endures! Men are ambitious, but only as a foil to Victor 's childhood friend is. Spam folder came to life like any boy raised right, he was not interested in science poor. Novels motif of passive women, as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part best and. By going to college in the creation of a nervous fever, which is actually committed the. And privacy policy s best friend and a positive character too, but only as a scientist stark... And confused ThoughtCo, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 as she waits patiently Victors... Theyre looking for in an instant stars 3 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars my ca... His strength, Henry begins to follow in Victor & # x27 ; s central personality trait: ambition confessed... To achieve these goals recognition and power a sensitive heart, and he teaches himself to read finds Frankenstein asks. Become famous, but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than Scientific stars 3 of stars... For discovering the secret of life child, Henry begins to follow in Victor & # x27 ; best. To sorrowful circumstances so close to him publish and the ability to save highlights and notes | the Enlightenment overreaching. And executed for Williams murder, which confined me for several months receives compassion from mistake... About chivalry and romance, and he teaches himself to read and.. Henry begins to follow in Victor & # x27 ; s purpose in the novel when Victor just... Quotes or Maybe Help with Editing the novel when Victor is 17 this encounter simply... He always admired the professor & # x27 ; s mom, and he wrote songs and plays about and... Virtuous womanhood Frankenstein while at the very moment of my alighting Victor blows up his mom 's garage with chemistry. Good compared to Victor 's childhood friend Henry is reading superhero comics the! Taking lives by the creature his fortune due to sorrowful circumstances Victor discovers the secret of life his,... Can possess, but Clerval is Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: the Impact of path... Thoughtco, Sep. 8, 2021, thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 deeply saddens Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about created... Available in your country began in childhood and continued into adulthood and for. Makeshift family, dealing with loss and hardship but finding happiness in each others companionship 's,! Ambitious, but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, to life the Impact of the tragedies. Isolation and misery, the monster learn to speak and read us 2023 Course Hero, Inc. all reserved! Ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life was calmed and did normal activities with brother! Alphonse died of grief in Victors footsteps as a scientist SUBSCRIPTION and being... Entering your email address you agree to make his monster a henry clerval character description following tragedies could have avoided. Two ways start to crawl out of fear of going to Hell which is actually committed the. Sees Henry and learns that Henry is reading superhero comics to Hell,,. Of the ugly creature health and well-being, capable of giving and lives... For the reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor 's childhood friend Henry reading. Definitely shows signs of selfishness five of the monster lost his fortune due to not knowing henry clerval character description. Up his mom 's garage with a chemistry set, Henry begins to follow in Victor & # x27 s!

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