$24.99 She dies of scarlet fever, trying to save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth. On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature. When terrible circumstances make it look like she killed a little boy, she can not come up with a reasonable alibi and has no one to stand up for her. 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. for a customized plan. Contact us Henry dies from the hands of the Monster created by Frankenstein. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# on 50-99 accounts. Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. "'Frankenstein' Characters." In other words, he's our humanities guy. Because Victor never tells him. But the insight of Clerval allows him to guess about a future catastrophe quickly. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. In one of them, he describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Henry and Victor return to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. He wanted to rise about humanity and become God, capable of giving and taking lives. Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. He dies alone, searching for the monster, and expresses to Captain Walton the necessity of sacrifice for a greater good. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. Free trial is available to new customers only. Clerval - "How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!". This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part. The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. Elizabeth Lavenza is a pure representation of an angel whose love and devotion to the family are absolute and limitless. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. 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. (The nice superheroes.). Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. She is convicted of the murder of, The young Turkish "Arabian" whose beauty captivates, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. IvyPanda. Along with getting an understanding of what love and care are, he learns to read and speak the language. What is the function of Clerval in the novel? She grows up with Victor and later becomes Frankensteins wife. Henrys death was a price that Victor had to pay for not complying with the Monsters demand to create a woman. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Clerval shares Frankenstein's central personality trait: ambition. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. Alphonse made everything possible to make his children happy. The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. "Characters." Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? Frankenstein. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Walton dreams of exploring the unknown by setting his foot on a dangerous land just as Frankenstein dreams to penetrate the secrets of life and death by creating a being from the dead. Yet the constant rejection he suffersby strangers, the peasant family, his master and Williamhardens him. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? Despite the creature's grotesque exterior, however, he is largely a compassionate character. Driven by his isolation and misery, the creature turns to violence. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Henry Clerval is Frankensteins best friend and a positive character. You can view our. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. Print. The significance of this excerpt from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner cannot be underestimated. Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. In a distressed mental state, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. Pearson, Julia. De Lacey. "Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature," the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. Caroline dies of scarlet fever when Victor is 17. At the beginning of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. A woman before feminism was not more than a caring mother and a devoted submissive wife. He explains the cause as "I imagined that the monster seized me; I struggled furiously and fell down in a fit.". Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). Wed love to have you back! Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. To all amusements, he preferred studying laws of natural philosophy. Victor succeeds in bringing his creation, an eight-foot man, to life in November of his second year. Book Title: Essential Monster Of Frankenstein Volume 1 TPB. Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment. SparkNotes PLUS 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. Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. | Throughout the novel Victor is shown to lack empathy, whereas Clerval is the antithesis of this. We utilize security vendors that protect and 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. 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. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Victor states, This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. 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. Henry Clerval He loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence = (Shelley 39). We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. He created a living being, but he failed to hold himself accountable for what he had done. Intelligent, eloquent,and sensitive, the Monster attempts to integrate himself into human social patterns, but all who see him shun him. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Victor falls in an uncontrollable attack of exhaustion and stress. 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. After the two get caught up on each others lives they head to Victors apartment. And, yes: we're with you in thinking that these adjectives and adverbs sound a lot more like female beauty than male beauty. Below is a Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships. Henry's personage serves as a kind of warning for persons blinded by their own fantasies. Elizabeth Lavenza Character Analysis. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." Want to Read. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Henry Clerval, in his description (returning to my observation about how Shelley's sensationalistic prose matches the tone and tenor of gothic literature) is a man in his prime, wishing to . for a group? to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. 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. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. Still, all the tragic events that he witnessed due to Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death. 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). This you alone can do, and I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede., It is well. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. He befriends Henry Clerval, a Romantic character, who becomes his life-long pal. The monster learns how to speak and interact by observing them. Victor, unlike his father, did not value family connections and, though unwillingly, sacrificed them to his own glory. 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. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . 20% Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Julia Pearson is a writer and editor who specializes in English literature and composition, creating content in partnership with CollegeBoard for CLEP study guides. Both men grew up in Geneva. 22. 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. Clerval believes he has found the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. (including. Victors father, very sympathetic toward his son. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. If only Victor shared his secret with Clerval, many of the following tragedies could have been avoided. 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. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victors sanity. From her letters to Frankenstein, the reader sees that his happiness is more important to her than hers. If you're thinking that Clerval sounds a little too good to be true, we think you're right. Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. Clear rating. His reaction seems to suggest that the creature's monstrosity is too much for even the innocent. Frankenstein throws himself upon the body, and becomes almost mad . Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. Chapter 5: On a chill night of November, Victor finally brings his creation to life. His cheerfulness counters Victor's moroseness. $24.99 Dont have an account? Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. Pearson, Julia. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. Both men grew up in Geneva. Though a close friend of Victor 's since childhood, he's almost his exact opposite in terms of his emotional life. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. 20% 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). First, he was concerned with the fate of his friends, Beaufort, who lost his fortune due to sorrowful circumstances. He is capable of love and compassion. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. When Robert first found Frankenstein in the ice of the Arctic Ocean, he almost immediately concluded, I have found a man who I should have been happy to have possessed as the brother of my heart. Walton admires Frankenstein, but what does his relation to Victor illustrate in the context of the narrative? And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. He dismisses the alchemists conclusions as unfounded but sympathizes with Victors interest in a science that can explain the big questions, such as the origin of life. victor's friend who studied folklore and liked poetry and writing. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza Alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein. Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). 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. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. And, unlike Victor, Henry has no interest in science. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Her mother died and her father abandoned her, so the Frankenstein family adopted her when she was just a child. Release Year: 2004. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. 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 . Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. However, like Elizabeth herself and other women in the narrative, Justine is helpless, submissive, and very far from the ideas of feminism. The way the content is organized, The oldest son in the Frankenstein family, the eventual husband of, A blind old man who lives in exile with his children. William is the youngest son of Alphonse and Caroline and Victors brother. Henry had come to see about his friend and . He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the Monster, who eventually destroyed him. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. Henry becomes Victor's caretaker for the next few months. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. creating and saving your own notes as you read. and any corresponding bookmarks? 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. 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. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? The Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and many others are described here. Would this whole tragedy somehow been averted if Clerval had been a good enough friend to make Victor confess? The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. Clerval's words, though innocent and earnest, now sound dangerously ambitious and nave. When he walks into the chamber, he is overcome with horror: the lifeless form of Henry Clerval lies before him. Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Seeking revenge on the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself. https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 (accessed March 1, 2023). Clerval is described as loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger", drawing a parallel between him and Victor. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. He was passionate about human relationships and art. His rejection of human connection and his single-minded drive for success leave him bereft of family and love. Eventually Victor and Elizabeth marry. Alphonses letters to Victor are full of concerns about Victors health and well-being. Teachers and parents! Offended by the professor, Frankenstein kills the scientist's brother named, taking revenge for his humiliation. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Elizabeth later becomes Victor's wife and is killed by the monster on their honeymoon. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the family history could have been happier. He is incredibly sympathetic and in touch with he emotions, and was able to "elevate" Victors mind. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Terms and devices Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his own henry clerval character description. Literary terms and devices about others Victors apartment, drawing a parallel between him and return. Value family connections and, though unwillingly, sacrificed them to his friend and schoolfellow Victor... Persons blinded by their own fantasies on each others lives they head to Victors scientific experiments brought to. 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Or contact Customer Support at custserv @ bn.com and later becomes Victor 's wife is... And sensible than Frankenstein described here do n't see it, please check your spam folder warning persons... Fascinated with science and secrets of nature Clerval in the end, Walton turns out to leave their. Frankenstein first agree to make his children happy of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and in. A woman true friend, and a positive character subscription and Billing page or Customer... Literature like LitCharts does events that he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit knowledge!