You can view our. Every article is well-structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant. Henry genuinely loves his friend and seems to be the only person capable of influencing his mind. 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. The four peasants live in poverty, but the creature grows to idolize their compassionate, gentle ways. Alphonse made everything possible to make his children happy. Big mistake. Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. The Monster is a creature assembled by Frankenstein from dead pieces. 4 appearance(s) of Henry Clerval (Earth . 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. The monster's adopted family. At the end of the novel, after hearing Frankenstein's story, Waltons ship becomes trapped by ice. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankensteins closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. Both characters are ambitious and determined. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. Read an in-depth analysis of Victor Frankenstein. bookmarked pages associated with this title. Excited and disgusted at "the monster " he had created, he runs from the apartment. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? Alphonse Frankensteins character is an embodiment of the importance of family ties, which he valued above all. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. Not only was she doomed to die suffering for evil deeds of others, but she also confessed to the crime she did not commit. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. 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. The significance of this poem in relation to this novel can be interpreted two ways. Henry Clerval; Minor characters. Robert finds Victor Frankenstein near death, listens to his tale, and records it in letters to his sister Margaret Saville. 20% March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Need Custom Character Analysis Sample With Quotes or Maybe Help With Editing? And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. Victor describes the monster's eyes, considered the windows upon the soul, as "watery eyes, that seemed almost the same colour as the dun-white sockets in which they were set, his shrivelled complexion and straight black lips. 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. What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). Her death is the first tragedy in Frankensteins family. He turned away from the creature in the first minutes of its life. Youre in the right place! There are four children in his family, including Elizabeth Lavenza, who is Alphonse Frankensteins adopted daughter. Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. Denied a family, he denies his maker a family, and runs to the North Pole where he plans to die alone. In Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. However, William is terrified of the ugly creature. creating and saving your own notes as you read. for a customized plan. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. Refine any search. Want 100 or more? In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. Felix and Safie fall in love. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. 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. Yet the constant rejection he suffersby strangers, the peasant family, his master and Williamhardens him. 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. Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. 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. The novels begin with Walton's letters to his sister. Pearson, Julia. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. 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. Clerval's words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave. The monster strangles William in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt Victor for abandoning him. The De Lacey family is a household of three members an old blind man and his children, Felix and Agata. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. All the Frankensteins adore Elizabeth, and Victor quickly begins to "protect, love, and cherish" her. No human being could have passed a happier childhood than myself. Clervals nature is then quite in contrast with Frankensteins; instead of searching for glory and scientific achievement, Clerval searches for moral meaning in life. At the age of 6, he becomes the first victim of the Monster. What we can't decide is this: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval? "Characters." Through his actions and friendship with Frankenstein, Shelley highlights Frankenstein's sadness, his passionate yet shortsighted devotion to science, and the pain he inflicts on others. Frankenstein says that Clerval is his dearest friend, which shows that as well as being ambitious himself, Frankenstein admires ambition in other people. 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. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. 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. His short-sightedness leads to sad consequences. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. Read More: Henry Clerval Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Given that Henry only shows up in a few select scenes in the novel, it is easy to omit his role when this story is transferred into a motion picture. Clerval - loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger". Prejudiced humanity hated the Monster for his ugliness, while the creatures only dream was to love and be loved. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. Finally, he pays his own life for sincerity and trust. Unlike Victor who attempts to rationalise everything, Clerval is more in tune with his heart and feelings. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. 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. Not fully aware of the consequences of his creating a new human, he spends his entire life trying to destroy the same creation. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. 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). Please wait while we process your payment. About Frankenstein, Next He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the abandoned child in the novel, which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. They both grew up among books, dreaming of glory and discoveries. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. He befriends Henry Clerval, a Romantic character, who becomes his life-long pal. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. Caroline is Victor's mom, and, like any boy raised right, he really loves her. Why doesn't he keep Victor from creating a murderous monster? Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. His scientific achievement becomes the cause of his downfall, rather than the source of praise he once hoped for. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. 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. from your Reading List will also remove any After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. Discount, Discount Code Ingolstadt. This is smart thinking on Henrys part because Victor is finally showing signs of lasting progress and he knows how much Victors family means to him. Subscribe now. How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting! Preface to the 1817 Edition. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. It is apparent that Victor is mentally unstable through much of the novel. 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. from your Reading List will also remove any With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. 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. Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? Luckily for Victor, Henry genuinely cares for him and is able to realize that he is ill. Had Henry not have discovered that Henry is sick it is likely that Victor would have died shortly after this event. Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. His physical description and personality traits suggest that he is a young man driven by ambition and thirst for knowledge. Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. He suffers from illness probably brought on from his advanced age and depression from the events that have happened. Victor's sister by adoption, and later his wife. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankenstein's closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Frankenstein throws himself upon the body, and becomes almost mad . "'Frankenstein' Characters." Active Themes However, like Elizabeth herself and other women in the narrative, Justine is helpless, submissive, and very far from the ideas of feminism. Sometimes it can end up there. What's the deal with that? -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Throughout the novel Victor is shown to lack empathy, whereas Clerval is the antithesis of this. My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. kindness and tenderness amidst his passion, always quick in discerning the sensations of others, a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature. Clear rating. Through the story of an alienated monster and his ambitious creator, Shelley raises themes such as familial loss, the search for belonging, and the cost of ambition. The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. 2022. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. Victors father, very sympathetic toward his son. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? Despite her lowly background, the family loved and respected Justine. 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. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. ", Here Shelley contrasts God's creation of Adam to Victor's creation of the monster. Removing #book# Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? Henry Clerval plays an important role in Frankenstein by acting as a foil to Victor Frankenstein himself. Alphonse is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the household. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. 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