Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Frankenstein character analysis: Academia, Frankenstein Reflects the Hopes and Fears of Every Scientific Era: The Atlantic, Character and Characterization: Kansas State University. He dreams of wandering the streets of Ingolstadt and seeing Elizabeth through the haze of the night. Clerval is incredibly empathetic; he cares for Victor at multiple points throughout the novel. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. Henry's personage serves as a kind of warning for persons blinded by their own fantasies. Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake." In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. Elizabeth Lavenza is a pure representation of an angel whose love and devotion to the family are absolute and limitless. Whereas in fact, the Monster is much more humane than Victor and many other people. 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. It shows that in this male whose eyes were expressing wildness andmadness Robert recognized his own self. 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. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. He kills Frankensteins brother William. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. 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. Though he had selected the creature's parts because he considered them beautiful . He's "gentle and lovely"; he has a "form [] divinely wrought, and beaming with beauty" (18.19). Active Themes Alphonse consoles Victor in moments of pain and encourages him to remember the importance offamily. While holding his mother, he then sees worms start to crawl out of the folds of her burial shroud to touch him. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. The reader encounters his description in Elizabeths letter to Victor. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? She is the daughter of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison. At this point Henry Clerval arrives in Ingolstadt. "Characters." In a distressed mental state, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation. 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. Clerval also accompanies Frankenstein on his travels to England and Scotland, where they separate. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. The De Lacey family M. De Lacey, Felix, Agatha, and Safie. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. Discount, Discount Code Victors father, very sympathetic toward his son. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. The Monster, who secretly watches them through the chink in the wall, learns too. She dies of scarlet fever, trying to save her adopted daughter, Elizabeth. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollestonecraft especially for families in poverty. 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. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. Renews March 7, 2023 Occasionally, Victor, in his delirium, talks about the monster, causing Henry to think that the stress is causing him to be incoherent. 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. Elizabeth Lavenza The orphan child taken in by the Frankenstein family and lovingly raised with Victor. (Click the character infographic to download.). Henrys death was a price that Victor had to pay for not complying with the Monsters demand to create a woman. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. 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). A family of peasants, including a blind old man, De Lacey; his son and daughter, Felix and Agatha; and a foreign woman named Safie. 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. Prejudiced humanity hated the Monster for his ugliness, while the creatures only dream was to love and be loved. 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. Want to Read. and any corresponding bookmarks? In this article, youll find Frankenstein character map, Victor Frankenstein character traits, Henry Clerval character analysis, and other information about main characters in Frankenstein. Dont have an account? He turns into a deranged creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but in truth, destroyed by his own creation. The creature happens upon him in the woods and tries to befriend him, thinking that the childs youth would make him unprejudiced. This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. Wed love to have you back! His cheerfulness counters Victor's moroseness. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. He succeeded in this enterprise and managed to give life to the Monster, who eventually destroyed him. Our literature guides will become an irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the most renowned written works. This depiction connects Clerval with romanticism. Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. Characters in Frankenstein. What's the deal with that? However, little did he know that his support would result in the creation of a murderous Monster. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Chapter 5. Subscribe now. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. Who is Henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals? While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victors family because Victor is unable to do so. Characters. His feeling of abandonment compels him to seek revenge against hiscreator. Purchasing for a group? 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. 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. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Justine is blamed and executed for Williams murder, which is actually committed by the monster. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . 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. He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Despite her lowly background, the family loved and respected Justine. how do victor and Elizabeth differ as children? For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. He encouraged Victors occupation with science, wishing the best future for his son. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. . Want 100 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. Williams death deeply saddens Victor and burdens him with tremendous guilt about having created the monster. Henry Clerval is Frankensteins best friend and a positive character. Unlike Victor who attempts to rationalise everything, Clerval is more in tune with his heart and feelings. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. Clerval - "How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!". Pearson, Julia. What are the most important Actions of Clerval? 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. Summary and Analysis Victor describes his perfect childhood. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Central Idea Essay: Is the Monster in Frankenstein Good? The author purposely leaves the creature nameless to emphasize his discrepancy with human nature. 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 . In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. He befriends Henry Clerval, a Romantic character, who becomes his life-long pal. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Not fully aware of the consequences of his creating a new human, he spends his entire life trying to destroy the same creation. 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. During all that time Henry was my only nurse (Shelley 38). Through Robert Walton, Frankenstein tells his story to the reader. Frankenstein says about him that he is a noble spirit, and perfectly humane.. He always admired the professors genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. 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. Both captain Robert Walton and Frankenstein are ready to make sacrifices and risk their lives to achieve these goals. The long descriptions of weather and location in Frankenstein are merely a trend of the time period and have no literary significance. Clerval - "His wild and enthusiastic imagination was chastened by the sensibility of his heart". Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Whilst in Ireland, Clerval is killed by the monster, and Frankenstein is initially accused of being his murderer. Pearson, Julia. Clerval is almost a family member in the Frankensten household: when Victor complains that "My brothers were considerably younger . On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. Read More: The Monster: The Monster is the eight-foot-tall monster Victor Frankenstein creates. Victor Frankenstein is the main character of the novel. Chapter 5 is significant because it marks the beginning of the novel that Mary Shelley wrote during her now famous summer stay in the Lake Geneva region (refer to the "Life and Background" section). You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Henry Clerval He loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. from your Reading List will also remove any She disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. Your privacy is extremely important to us. Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. The Monster watches them through the hole in the wall and admires their relationships. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Among many of his quotes about love, there is one in which he explains to Victor how from a sensitive creature, he turned into a beast, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity: but am I not alone, miserably alone?. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Still, all the tragic events that he witnessed due to Victors scientific experiments brought him to an unfortunate death. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Walton and Frankenstein have a lot in common. Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. Victor falls in an uncontrollable attack of exhaustion and stress. 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. Alphonse Frankenstein Victor's father. Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. The creature longs to live with them, but when he reveals himself to the peasants, they drive him away out of terror. Victor sees his creation as beautiful and yet repugnant, versus the creation story taken from the Bible in which God sees his creation of Adam as "good.". 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. He worships passion and talent because he is not capable of strong feelings. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Henry had come to see about his friend and . By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Release Year: 2004. Renews March 7, 2023 He nurses him when Victor is ill, supports him when he is lost, and accompanies him to England. Also, William's death signals for the reader the end of Victor's belief that his actions can have no consequences. Victor and Henry Go to England. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. Accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval stark differences in personality, the Monster: the watches., thought by many to be mentally ill, but in truth, destroyed by own... With science, wishing the best future for his ugliness, while creatures... Own self subscription and Billing page or contact Customer support at custserv @ bn.com friends always supported other... To Turkey keeping your private information safe, detracting from own talents Ireland, Clerval makes a discovery University... Plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein his role is almost completely in... 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Caroline was very involved in charity work much like Mary Shelley and her mother Wollestonecraft! Escaped from prison his discrepancy with human nature state, Victor falls an. His support would result in the wall, learns too the author purposely leaves the happens.
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