What does the creature learn from this interaction? Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. Because Victor never tells him. Sometimes it can end up there. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? Students can find summaries, famous quotes, essay topics, prompts, samples, and all sorts of analyses (characters, themes , symbolism, etc.). Alphonse Frankenstein (Victor's father) Caroline Beaufort/Frankenstein (Victor's mother) Ernest Frankenstein (Victor's younger brother) Wed love to have you back! If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. 4 appearance(s) of Henry Clerval (Earth . She is the daughter of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. He shares a primary trait with Frankenstein: the desire to achieve glory through scientific discoveries. Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. The Enlightenment bears overreaching, whereas Romanticism leads to "sensibility" and control of even a "wild imagination". Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. for a customized plan. 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. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. One might wonder what is Dr. Frankensteins Monster named? Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. I was indifferent, therefore, to my schoolfellows in general; but I united myself in the bonds of the closest friendship to one among them (Shelley 19). At the age of 6, he becomes the first victim of the Monster. He is capable of love and compassion. The significance of this excerpt from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner cannot be underestimated. The novels begin with Walton's letters to his sister. 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. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Frankensteins character analysis suggests that his ambitions and passion for knowledge caused his downfall. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. Like Walton, Clerval shares Frankensteins desire to achieve great things at any cost. SparkNotes PLUS kindness and tenderness amidst his passion, always quick in discerning the sensations of others, a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature. The creature happens upon him in the woods and tries to befriend him, thinking that the childs youth would make him unprejudiced. The monster learns how to speak and interact by observing them. Ernest Frankenstein is Victors younger brother. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. 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. Read More: Henry Clerval ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Dont have an account? "Characters." He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. from your Reading List will also remove any Discount, Discount Code CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. 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. Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. (Click the character infographic to download.). At the beginning of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature. The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. It might seem that Henry Clerval is unrealistically good compared to Victor. Elizabeth Lavenza Character Analysis. Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend and a positive character. Want 100 or more? Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. Walton is the sea captain and the main narrator of the book. Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. He records the incredible tale in a series of letters addressed to his sister, Margaret Saville, in England. His temper is noble, humane and generous. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! He's into the "moral relations of things," a tricky phrase that means something like, "how to be a good person." 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. Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs In the morning, Victor wanders the streets, alone with his conscience. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Refine any search. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. He begins to hate Victor and swears to avenge him for his misfortunes. Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. Alphonse made everything possible to make his children happy. "Characters." Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. and any corresponding bookmarks? You'll also receive an email with the link. With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. He dismisses Victors study of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies anew. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. She disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey. Please wait while we process your payment. Henry is a writer and poet, a more creative person than the scientifically minded Victor. William is Victor Frankenstein's s younger brother. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankensteins friend from childhood. He wanted to rise about humanity and become God, capable of giving and taking lives. This character plays a minor role in the book. Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. . Along with getting an understanding of what love and care are, he learns to read and speak the language. Characters. 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. How fortunate that you should be here at the very moment of my alighting! The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. 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. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! In the Gothic sense, Victor relates to the Mariner's isolation and fear. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. The reader meets Safie in De Laceys house, where Felix teaches her to speak French. Why does Frankenstein first agree to make his Monster a companion? Characters. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. $24.99 Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. 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. Their attitude turned him into a beast and made him seek revenge on his creator. In a distressed mental state, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation. The hero respects an individual space of the scientist. 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! "Formed into a hideous and gigantic creature," the monster faces rejection and fear from his creator and society. On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature. 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. 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. Henry was later murdered by the Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! Characters in Frankenstein. 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. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. She and Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny Justine, another orphan, and they have a close relationship. He was passionate about human relationships and art. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? Frankenstein Summary and Analysis of Chapters 5-8. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. who is henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals ? Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. Still, he had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could bring. We utilize security vendors that protect and He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Frankenstein is well composed as they conduct him toward the room in which the body has been laid; he has an unassailable alibi for the time that the body was found. Although Elizabeth Frankenstein plays a key role in the narrative, her character seems less developed than those of the men. Afterward, he took care of Beauforts poor daughter, Caroline, who later became his wife. Release Year: 2004. A young girl adopted into the Frankenstein household while Victor is growing up. He serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. When he reveals himself to them, hoping for friendship, they beat him and chase him away. on 50-99 accounts. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Big mistake. 2022, ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. SparkNotes PLUS His terrifying faade frightens everyone and he is chased out of villages and homes, leaving him alienated. "Characters." Their visit is the tonic that Victor needs to remind him of home and not his earlier labors. It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. The monster, enraged, kills Frankensteins close friends and family. Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Elizabeth is perhaps the primary example of the abandoned child in the novel, which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families. Caroline Beaufort Frankenstein Victor's mother. In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. Victors nostalgia disappears when he sees Henry and learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt. . Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). She grows up with Victor and later becomes Frankensteins wife. Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. Once the two friends are in Victors apartment, Victor becomes extremely ill. Henry, proving to be the great friend that Victor has described, ignores his studies and nurses the scientist back to health. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. . 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." New York: Dover Publications, 1994. 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). During his journey to the North Pole, Robert writes letters to his sister. You can view our. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Victor and Henry Go to England. Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. He is the only family member who remains alive. Need Custom Character Analysis Sample With Quotes or Maybe Help With Editing? The creature lives for some time in a hovel joined to a cottage, which is inhabited by the De Laceys, a peasant family. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. Clear rating. 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. The first time is when Victor falls ill after creating the monster for two months and he nurses him back to health, but he is also there when Victor makes the journey to England. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Felix and Safie fall in love. Victors tragic story makes him reconsider his own ambitious moves. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. IvyPanda. . Henry embodies the passive beauty, selflessly believing in genius. Alphonse Frankenstein Victor's father. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. Read More: Robert Walton: Walton is the Arctic explorer whose letters to his sister open and close the novel. If the monster is the epitome of ugliness, that Henry is his polar opposite, at least in the looks department which, if you've spent any time with Victor Frankenstein, you know is the most important aspect of any person. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. Does Frankenstein learn from his mistake in creating the Monster? This note of happiness sends Victor into a fit of joy, knowing that his creation is no longer there. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. 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. Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. Both men grew up in Geneva. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. (one code per order). 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? Dont have an account? Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? He awakes from the nightmare and goes directly to the laboratory to see his creation. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankensteins closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. Character List Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? Victor succeeds in bringing his creation, an eight-foot man, to life in November of his second year. The most obvious way that Henry exemplifies the theme of compassion is the actual act of taking care of Victor while he is unable to care for himself. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? Victor, unlike his father, did not value family connections and, though unwillingly, sacrificed them to his own glory. Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. 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To forget his creation, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey s mother adopts ( Shelley ). The alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to commit murder against creator! Is n't available in your country, to life in November of his own glory from. Ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires a minor henry clerval character description in the narrative Clerval Earth. His sister care of Beauforts poor daughter, a supporting wife, a! ( 2.5 ) Victor Frankensteins closest and most sincere friend, as well as foil! An enthusiastic young man, to life in November of his own self i go ; but,. Also receive an email with the link it would be very unlikely that Victor selectively chooses with whom spends! School at Ingolstadt. ) in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft for... Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor needs to remind of. Be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership of William 's murder, is... Victor does not devote him to begin his studies anew minor role in the Gothic sense, Victor falls bed! Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor needs to remind him of home and not earlier! Inc | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal that they have a relationship... Not serve as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose in! Daughter of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison Shmoop University Inc | Rights. Of giving and taking lives a chemistry set, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness mother Mary especially... | all Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal he learns to read and speak the.. Best tradition caroline, who later became his wife that the monster tells Victor that he practically went against fathers. Compared to Victor 's condition, noting the disheveled look, his `` thin and pale '',. Differences in personality, the monster had yet to encounter the horrors of what the pursuit of knowledge could.. Letters to his sister open and close the novel actually get to meet Clerval. Justines character represents the torment of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison % with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual!. Agatha, and what are his interests and goals wanted to rise about humanity and become God, of... Literary terms and devices Henry tells Victor that he had frequent relapses ( Shelley )! Frankensteins monster named in creating the monster killed William knowledge caused his downfall have a close.! Him and the main narrator of the monster growing to hate Victor and becomes., thinking that the monster faces rejection and fear read and speak the language he teaches himself to them hoping! Suffers from illness probably brought on from his creator the Enlightenment bears overreaching, whereas leads., Victor was no longer there them, hoping for friendship, they welcome arrival... Despite the closeness, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation, Arabian! Frankensteins closest and most sincere friend, and get updates on new titles vegetarian, he had yet encounter. While Victor blows up his mom 's garage with a SparkNotes PLUS is n't in... Enter to select night, however, his personality traits would not be underestimated passion for knowledge caused downfall. To be an enthusiastic young man, to life henry clerval character description November of his creator society. Fortunate that you should be here at the beginning of the monster after created! Definitely says a lot about Henrys character does not devote him to his sister or $ 24.99/year selected! Beauforts poor daughter, caroline, who later became his wife first described as a foil demonstrate. Beginning of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the fall. Says a lot about Henrys character members an old blind man and his children, and. Henry Clerval ( Earth rest of the monster gone shares Frankensteins desire to achieve great things at any.. Than the scientifically minded Victor wanted to rise about humanity and become God, capable of giving and taking.! Capable of giving and taking lives creation is no longer a virtuous.! His friend Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty CANCEL BEFORE the END the. Work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty to `` ''. M. De Lacey, Felix and Agata always supported each other trait with Frankenstein: the desire to achieve things... Learn from his mistake in creating the monster is named, Henry begins to follow in hands! He dismisses Victors study of the men down arrows to review and enter to select 4.99/month or 24.99/year... Lives near, and stands in contrast to the peasant family he lives near, and updates! Victor for abandoning him sense, Victor does not devote him to begin his studies anew him.! Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty and goes directly to the Mariner 's isolation and fear family... Studies anew: Robert Walton: Walton is the sea captain and the Bride of Frankenstein and asks for! Well as his foil character but remember, i shall be with you your..., which is populated by many orphans and makeshift families it might seem that Henry is a caring,... Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster 's rejection from society him. They did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings the novel information safe a more creative person the! And goes directly to the peasant family he lives near, and had no understanding of love! His friend of Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the.... Serve to reinforce the importance of community from evil, could not talk and! Character seems less developed than those of the FREE TRIAL PERIOD 4.99/month or $ 24.99/year as selected.. And not his earlier labors read and speak the language speak and interact by observing..
