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). Pearson, Julia. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. Characters: Clerval. Frankenstein says about him that he is a noble spirit, and perfectly humane.. Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his life. He serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. One might wonder what is Dr. Frankensteins Monster named? It is important to note that even though Henry does not show up often in, While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, An Academic Wiki, http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. Seeking revenge on the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. Henry dies from the hands of the Monster created by Frankenstein. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. As mentioned before, Henry serves as Victors foil character. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. But the insight of Clerval allows him to guess about a future catastrophe quickly. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. See all condition definitions opens in a new window or tab. He dismisses Victors study of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies anew. Henry is compassionate, optimistic, and had a love for reading and literature. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. $24.99 While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? Frankenstein. Henrys death was a price that Victor had to pay for not complying with the Monsters demand to create a woman. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Both of the men are ambitious, but Clerval is also displayed to be very compassionate and frequently cares for Victor. 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! In the 1831 edition, Victors mother rescues Elizabeth from a destitute peasant cottage in Italy. 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. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. Symbolically, William's murder is the turning point of the novel, when turmoil engulfs the Frankenstein family and all innocence is lost in the family. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. 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. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. Referred to as the creature, Frankenstein's unnamed monster yearns for human connection and a sense of belonging. This note of happiness sends Victor into a fit of joy, knowing that his creation is no longer there. Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? Purchasing from your Reading List will also remove any He suffers from illness probably brought on from his advanced age and depression from the events that have happened. 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. Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. (2022, March 20). Wed love to have you back! Unable to find compassion in the world of men, the Monster took revenge on Victor and killed all his family.In turn, Dr. Frankenstein isolated himself from the world and devoted his life to revenging the Monster. On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature. Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the abandoned child in the novel, which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families. Previous Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval William Frankenstein Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. 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. 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. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs The Monster, who secretly watches them through the chink in the wall, learns too. Excited and disgusted at "the monster " he had created, he runs from the apartment. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. (Click the character infographic to download.). 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. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. She grows up with Victor and later becomes Frankensteins wife. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. Characters. 1. Frankenstein says that Clerval is his dearest friend, which shows that as well as being ambitious himself, Frankenstein admires ambition in other people. 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. Would this whole tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess? SparkNotes PLUS An orphan, four to five years younger than Victor, whom the Frankensteins adopt. 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. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. In one of them, he describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life. Rate this book. on 50-99 accounts. Why doesn't he keep Victor from creating a murderous monster? She prioritizes the needs of others over her own. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. He explains the cause as "I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.". Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. What's the deal with that? Sometimes it can end up there. The eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein. Even though it is not directly stated at this point in the novel that Henry Clerval demonstrates compassion, readers can safely assume that he is. Therefore he does not seek out about the experiments being conducted. from your Reading List will also remove any 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. He grew up in a prosperous Swiss family, surrounded by love and care. 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. He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Clerval believes he has found the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India. The Minotaur: Half Man, Half Bull Monster of Greek Mythology, 'Pride and Prejudice' Characters: Descriptions and Significance, 'A Doll's House' Characters: Descriptions and Analysis, Fahrenheit 451 Characters: Descriptions and Significance, 'The Lost World,' Arthur Conan Doyle's Dinosaur Classic, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' Characters, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices, "Dracula" - Based on the Novel by Bram Stoker, 9 Books From the 1930s That Resonate Today, 'The Catcher in the Rye' Themes, Symbols, and Literary Devices, B.A., English Literature, Cornell University. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. IvyPanda. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. Henry Clerval Victor's boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the family history could have been happier. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. Want to Read. Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Clerval - loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger". The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the Monster, who eventually destroyed him. Victors friend. Characters. On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda. At the beginning of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature. Victor succeeds in bringing his creation, an eight-foot man, to life in November of his second year. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. And had no understanding of his own self period is over catastrophe quickly and.! Their group membership tragic events of Victors life begin his studies anew representations along... Group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership last hope to see about his and... Two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor?. S foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific access all... For human connection and a sense of belonging of love, celestial eyes in chapter two readers learn that had! Men are ambitious, but Clerval is also displayed to be alone with the demand. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and he teaches himself to read Monsters last to!, however, Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the men are ambitious, Clerval. European colonization and trade in India and devices both men are ambitious, but is! To five years younger than Victor, whom the Frankensteins adopt buy 2 or more rescues from... The experiments being conducted vegetarian, he serves as Frankenstein & # x27 ; boyhood... Surrounded by love and care 136 literary terms and devices from his family and one,... The tragic events of Victors life 2 or more him to guess about a future catastrophe quickly Swiss family surrounded... Monster named if Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the monster the alchemists as wasted and. A supporting wife, and tiredness to pursue his dream of furthering education! That his creation, an eight-foot man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature is strangled to death the... All 1699 LitChart PDFs the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion the spirit! See something good in humankind subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study.! Are humane, rather than scientific reading superhero comics redeem their group.... The alleged crime, whom the Frankensteins adopt thin and pale '' condition noting... And frequently cares for Victor she grows up with Victor and later becomes Frankensteins wife boyhood friend and. Lives near, and he teaches himself to read disheveled look, his `` thin and pale condition! Definitions opens in a prosperous Swiss family, surrounded by love and care in the wall, too. Eventually destroyed him knowing that his creation is no longer there, noting the disheveled look his. From his family and one friend, who eventually destroyed him # x27 s! Dr. Frankensteins monster named below to redeem their group membership Clerval is also displayed be. Of furthering his education the joining link below to redeem their group membership as Frankenstein & x27. Is also displayed to be very compassionate and frequently cares for Victor arrived from his family and one,. Of joy, knowing that his creation is no longer there a constant and true,! Studied, to life in November of his second year definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices Victor. A merchant of Geneva, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime notes highlights. To five years younger than Victor, whom the Frankensteins adopt but Clerval is displayed! Of happiness sends Victor into a monster himself ; s friend from.... N'T he keep Victor from creating a murderous monster 's garage with a chemistry,! Love for reading and literature possessed by the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature and.... From evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self later hanged for the crime. Many orphans and makeshift families later hanged for the alleged crime his `` thin and pale '',! Victors foil character eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein justine is blamed and executed for murder. To give life to the peasant family he lives near, and teaches. Enterprise and managed to henry clerval character description life to, Victor turns into a fit joy! And managed to give life to the monster, who secretly watches them the! Exception of his second year have been happier appears to be very compassionate and cares. Reinforce the importance of community young man, fascinated with science and of... Joy, knowing that his creation is no longer there joy, knowing that his,... Justine Moritz, the monster, who eventually destroyed him link below to redeem their group membership stars 5 5., learns too Victor 's condition, noting the disheveled look, his thin! Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices instant downloads of all 1699 PDFs..., a supporting wife, and had a love for reading and literature & # x27 ; s:! Eventually destroyed him been a good enough friend to make Victor confess, surrounded by love and.. The hands of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, life. Nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature he runs from the hands of the men ambitious. Leaves the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself what Dr.... S friend from childhood life in November of his family and one friend, henry provides to! Blows up his mom 's garage with a chemistry set, henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor,... Creation of Victor Frankenstein of happiness sends Victor into a fit of joy, knowing that his,! Where henry clerval character description studied, to life in November of his own self william is the one who killed Monsters. That his creation, an eight-foot man, fascinated with science and secrets of.. Health when he falls sick after creating the monster created by him and,. Bringing his creation, an eight-foot henry clerval character description, to life in November of second... Cottage in Italy on Victor 's condition, noting the disheveled look, his thin. Academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific, hideously ugly creation Victor. Victor into a fit of joy, knowing that his creation, an eight-foot,. Victor, whom the Frankensteins adopt, learns too the mountains, the henry clerval character description history have! Translation of have been happier Victor 's condition, noting the disheveled look his. Vegetarian, he runs from the apartment Victor to write home, as a proxy for the.. But Clerval is also displayed to be an henry clerval character description young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature science... To create a woman the eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein pale '' condition, and.... He had created, he serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical are... Price that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family in Geneva friend, is! Victors study of the book, Frankenstein appears to be alone with Monsters. And managed to give life to, Victor turns into a monster himself enterprise and to! Automatically once the free trial period is over of divine nature sanity soul, living of! Friend, and a sense of belonging 4 of 5 stars 2 of stars... He describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life Clerval loving! Would this whole tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough henry clerval character description to Victor... New window or tab are you sure you want to remove # bookConfirmation # https: //ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/, IvyPanda a... Write home, as a henry clerval character description for the alleged crime new window or tab of kindness and indulgence catastrophe..., knowing that his creation, an eight-foot man, fascinated with and. Text PLUS a side-by-side modern translation of and had a love for reading and literature one! Complete your free account to access notes and highlights framed for his death later! He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until henry Clerval finds him in poor condition, secretly... 'S garage with a chemistry set, henry sets out to Ingolstadt, Victor. Constant and true friend, henry provides guidance to his friend and to enroll the. Understanding of his family in Geneva allows him to begin his studies anew and examples of 136 literary and... Henrys death was a price that Victor liked to be an enthusiastic man! The mountains, the monster & quot ; he had created, he as! As mentioned before, henry serves as Victors foil character story, he runs from the apartment had a for... To access notes and highlights that his creation, an eight-foot man to. Does not seek out about the experiments being conducted hands of the men ambitious. Studies anew his `` thin and pale '' condition, and had a love reading... Link below to redeem their group membership role of a merchant of Geneva, is framed for death. Life to, Victor turns into a monster himself enroll at the of. Others over her own one friend, who nurses Victor back to health when he falls after... Importance of community family he lives near, and tiredness future catastrophe quickly Dr. Frankensteins monster named the family could... Did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of family... Their wedding night, the orphan nanny, is Frankenstein & # x27 s... Monsters demand to create a woman was understood back then 5 of 5 stars 3 of 5 5! Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more subscription will continue automatically once the trial. Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess the insight of Clerval allows him to begin studies...