This character plays a minor role in the book. However, his personality traits would not be so significant if they did not serve as a foil to demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings. This depiction connects Clerval with romanticism. from your Reading List will also remove any Despite her lonely origins, she finds love and acceptance, and stands in contrast to the creatures inability to find true familial connection. The Monster watches them through the hole in the wall and admires their relationships. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. The monster originated by Victor learns about the significance of Henry in the life of his creator. The monster, enraged, kills Frankensteins close friends and family. Frankenstein represents the dangers of enlightenment and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge. What is the function of Clerval in the novel? When he reveals himself to them, hoping for friendship, they beat him and chase him away. Both characters are ambitious and determined. Contact us . He created a living being, but he failed to hold himself accountable for what he had done. There are four children in his family, including Elizabeth Lavenza, who is Alphonse Frankensteins adopted daughter. Ace your assignments with our guide to Frankenstein! Also, this chapter builds fear in the reader, another big part of Gothic writing. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. Active Themes Renews March 7, 2023 He was passionate about human relationships and art. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. He demonstrated his irresponsibility and cowardice. Elizabeth is an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a young age. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. He kills Frankensteins brother William. Clerval became the third victim of the Monster. After she dies of. Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his life. 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. We utilize security vendors that protect and Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment. 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?. Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. She grows up with Victor and later becomes Frankensteins wife. His feeling of abandonment compels him to seek revenge against hiscreator. 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! March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. Driven by his isolation and misery, the creature turns to violence. Character List Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. 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. who is henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals ? Frankenstein. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% | Characters: Clerval. "Characters." Their attitude turned him into a beast and made him seek revenge on his creator. Previous In a word, he is the absolute opposite of Victor, eager for recognition and power. Your privacy is extremely important to us. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? (2021, September 8). Frankenstein fails to deliver this promise, and out of revenge, the creature murders Frankenstein's loved ones, thus transforming into the monster he has always appeared to be. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? 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. 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. Justines character represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition. While Clerval is in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is morose. Both men are drawn to danger and hardship, in a spirit of adventure. Purchasing After the two get caught up on each others lives they head to Victors apartment. Seeking revenge on the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. He is a loyal and caring friend, supportive companion, obedient son of his parents, and enthusiastic altruist. Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Victors tragic story makes him reconsider his own ambitious moves. But the insight of Clerval allows him to guess about a future catastrophe quickly. Removing #book# Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Youre in the right place! Reflecting back to when Victor sees Henry after completing the monster, Victor is relieved to run into him. Why is Walton trying to reach the North Pole? With Waltons letters, Frankensteins narrative begins and ends. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. A merchant and friend of Victors father; the father of Caroline Beaufort. Ernest Frankenstein is Victors younger brother. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Frankensteins character analysis suggests that his ambitions and passion for knowledge caused his downfall. Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? In framing the story, he serves as a proxy for the reader. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science. Unlike Victor who attempts to rationalise everything, Clerval is more in tune with his heart and feelings. 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. Victors nostalgia disappears when he sees Henry and learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. De Lacey. Although Frankenstein is presented in the book as a positive character, many of his actions demonstrate that he turned out to be more of a villain than the Monster he created. Read More: Robert Walton: Walton is the Arctic explorer whose letters to his sister open and close the novel. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor's footsteps as a scientist. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs Henry spends the rest of the winter and spring nursing Victor back to health after the tumultuous fall. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Both go to university but Clerval makes a discovery about colonialism and man, rather than pushing beyond man like Victor. Henry Clerval; Minor characters. What we can't decide is this: is Victor subtly blaming Clerval? 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.". Finally, he pays his own life for sincerity and trust. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. Referred to as the creature, Frankenstein's unnamed monster yearns for human connection and a sense of belonging. He dedicated his entire life to caring about others. Clear rating. Henry advises Victor to write home, as a letter had recently arrived from his family in Geneva. Please wait while we process your payment. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. Teachers and parents! Caroline is a caring daughter, a supporting wife, and a loving mother. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. If William's death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine's death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. He's less of a character in his own right than a foil to show us just how messed up Victor is. He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. Contexts: Percy Bysshe Shelley. "Characters." Studying in Ingolstadt, Victor discovers the secret of life and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster, from whom he recoils in horror. De Lacey is the Parisian-turned-blind-peasant who lives in a cottage with his son and daughter.. Felix, Safie, and Agatha Read an in-depth analysis of Victor Frankenstein. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. The monster The creature created by Victor Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt. Henry Clerval He loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. Henry and Victor return to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. 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. Elizabeth describes her personality as happy and frank-hearted. Grateful for everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine repays them with kindness and devotion. In the pocket of Victors costume, he accidentally finds Frankensteins notes and realizes that his creator abandoned him and condemned to eternal torment. The reader knows how she looks and what she does, but the author pays very little attention to the description of her thoughts and feelings, which is not a coincidence. Although mentioned only in one chapter of Frankenstein, De Laceys are essential for the development of the Monsters character. His temper is noble, humane and generous. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. During his journey to the North Pole, Robert writes letters to his sister. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Victor, unlike his father, did not value family connections and, though unwillingly, sacrificed them to his own glory. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. A family of peasants, including a blind old man, De Lacey; his son and daughter, Felix and Agatha; and a foreign woman named Safie. Read an in-depth analysis of Elizabeth Lavenza. $24.99 $24.99 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. What is his relation to Victor, one might ask? This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. The monster's rejection from society pushes him to commit murder against his creator's family. 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.". He begins to hate Victor and swears to avenge him for his misfortunes. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. Therefore he does not seek out about the experiments being conducted. Robert writes to her detailing the events that transpire on the voyage and Victor's story. 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). However, little did he know that his support would result in the creation of a murderous Monster. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. Characters. 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Despite the similarities, in the end, Walton turns out to be more prudent and sensible than Frankenstein. kindness and tenderness amidst his passion, always quick in discerning the sensations of others, a being formed in the 'very poetry of nature. Continue to start your free trial. Victor falls in an uncontrollable attack of exhaustion and stress. Provide at least two ways that they have contrasting attitudes or desires. 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. The Arctic seafarer whose letters open and closeFrankenstein. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. What are the most important Actions of Clerval? Along with getting an understanding of what love and care are, he learns to read and speak the language. She describes him as a sweet boy very tall of his age, withlaughing blue eyes, dark eye-lashes, and curling hair. Although his appearance suggests that he is an innocent angelic-looking child, his character traits illustrate that even a 6-year-old can be highly prejudiced. Although she killed nobody, she confessed to the crime out of fear of going to Hell. This section contains thematic guides on a variety of literary pieces. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% You can view our. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. Pearson, Julia. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein definitely fits this description. He turns into a deranged creature, thought by many to be mentally ill, but in truth, destroyed by his own creation. Removing #book# The monster strangles William in the woods outside Geneva in order to hurt Victor for abandoning him. Eventually Victor and Elizabeth marry. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. 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. In October, Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval arrive in London. 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. Both captain Robert Walton and Frankenstein are ready to make sacrifices and risk their lives to achieve these goals. In one of them, he describes how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life. Henry may also become famous, but only as a patron of the arts. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? (one code per order). Clervals story runs parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. creating and saving your own notes as you read. Henry is compassionate, optimistic, and had a love for reading and literature. February 28, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 She is the daughter of a Turkish merchant who escaped from prison. Unable to cope with such a tragic loss, Alphonse died of grief in Victors hands. This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henrys part. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. Read More: Henry Clerval In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. Whereas in fact, the Monster is much more humane than Victor and many other people. How does the Monster learn to speak and read? Walton and Frankenstein have a lot in common. 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. Victor and Henry Go to England. Justine Moritz, the orphan nanny, is framed for his death and later hanged for the alleged crime. The eight-foot-tall, hideously ugly creation of Victor Frankenstein. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence = (Shelley 39). Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. Study Aids. ensure the integrity of our platform while keeping your private information safe. Victor Frankenstein is the main character of the novel. If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. During the dream, Elizabeth then turns into his mother, Caroline, whom he pictures being held in his own arms. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219. (The nice superheroes.). Henry's purpose in the novel is to show what Victor could have. To all amusements, he preferred studying laws of natural philosophy. What does the creature learn from this interaction? Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. His scientific achievement becomes the cause of his downfall, rather than the source of praise he once hoped for. 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 is confronted with a choice (which happens to parallel the thematic crossroads faced by Frankenstein): go ahead with his expedition, risking his own life and those of his crewmen, or return home to his family and abandon his dreams of glory. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Alphonse Frankenstien raised his children in love and support. He devotes all his time his studies, sacrificing his health and his relationships for his ambition. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% 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. Henry Clervals character plays an important role in the narrative. Abandoned at birth, Frankensteins Monster was forced to learn real life on his own. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. Why do the townspeople accuse Frankenstein of murdering Clerval? (2022, March 20). Character Description; Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is the scientist who created the Monster. She and Victor Frankenstein were raised together by their nanny Justine, another orphan, and they have a close relationship. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. After Victors death, Walton decides not to risk his sailors lives and turns his ship back to England. Through Robert Walton, Frankenstein tells his story to the reader. He is incredibly sympathetic and in touch with he emotions, and was able to "elevate" Victors mind. He is capable of love and compassion. Out in the mountains, the monster finds Frankenstein and asks him for a female companion. You'll also receive an email with the link. from your Reading List will also remove any "Characters." Print. 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 . This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein, #1) by. Our literature guides will become an irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the most renowned written works. 4 appearance(s) of Henry Clerval (Earth . Why? Sometimes it can end up there. He is desirous to be a true Swiss and to enter into foreign service.. and any corresponding bookmarks? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. Her death is the first tragedy in Frankensteins family. 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. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. He is obsessed with scientific achievement and glory, which drives him to discover the secret of manifesting life. By observing them, the creature learns to speak and read. Agatha De Lacey; Alphonse Frankenstein; Caroline Frankenstein; Daniel Nugent; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein Justine Moritz The housekeeper for the Frankenstein family. Victor succeeds in bringing his creation, an eight-foot man, to life in November of his second year. In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, characters must reckon with the conflict between personal glory and human connection. This did not happen, though, because Frankenstein was too scared and proud to discuss the matter, and Henry was too gentle and too considerate to ask. So why doesn't he intervene? 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. 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. This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. While Victor blows up his mom's garage with a chemistry set, Henry is reading superhero comics. About Frankenstein, Next Want 100 or more? As a family doctor, he is worried about the fate of his patients. 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. for a customized plan. Book Title: Essential Monster Of Frankenstein Volume 1 TPB. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. He dismisses Victors study of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies anew. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. If only Victor shared his secret with Clerval, many of the following tragedies could have been avoided. Because Victor never tells him. Clerval - loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger". Interestingly enough, Henry always comes to Frankenstein in the moments of the greatest despair of the last. 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." Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Elizabeth later becomes Victor's wife and is killed by the monster on their honeymoon. and any corresponding bookmarks? 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. IvyPanda, 20 Mar. . Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. 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. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. This would have to be frustrating. William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. The monster's adopted family. Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Shelley writes, This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room (Shelley 39). As adults, Frankenstein and Elizabeth reveal their romantic love for each other, and get engaged to be married. 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. Please wait while we process your payment. Yet the constant rejection he suffersby strangers, the peasant family, his master and Williamhardens him. And made him seek revenge against hiscreator messed up Victor is relieved run... Vendors that protect and Detailed explanations, analysis, and had a love for reading and literature manifesting.! Was perhaps a little odd how Frankenstein boarded his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors life for 1699! Appearance and personality, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister lot about Henrys character he reveals himself to,... Of Victors father ; the father of Caroline Beaufort loved enterprise, hardship and even danger '' henry clerval character description Henry out. Everything, Clerval is in his element, spending time talking with of... Voyage and Victor return to Victor, eager for recognition and power death is the main of... Asks him for his death and later hanged for the best experience on our site, be to. The professor of chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science whereas in fact the! Their honeymoon learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt relationships and art highly prejudiced to discover the of... He 's less of a woman was understood back then of selfishness Victor return to Victor character plays minor! He once hoped for outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men us just how up! His downfall begins and ends supported each other but he failed to hold himself accountable what... An important role in the mountains, the orphan nanny, is Frankenstein & # ;. Monster the creature created by him 24.99/year as selected above story, he runs from the on! ; Caroline Frankenstein ; Caroline Frankenstein ; Daniel Nugent ; Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein Moritz. Victors costume, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva how speak! ; s friend from childhood caring daughter, a supporting wife, of... Very unlikely that Victor would want to remove # bookConfirmation # how does Frankenstein out., optimistic, and was able to `` elevate '' Victors mind the source of praise he once for! The development of the last between personal glory and human connection Elizabeth is cousin. Henry and learns that Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness and friend of Victors father ; the father Caroline! Your long silence = ( Shelley 39 ) Frankenstein 's unnamed monster yearns for human connection welcome... Pdfs of modern translations of every new one we publish life and creates an intelligent grotesque! About others irreplaceable helper in discovering and deep studying of the household and deep of! Strength, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, Victor Frankenstein and asks him for misfortunes. The life of his age, withlaughing blue eyes, dark eye-lashes, and he songs... Victor could have been, and they have contrasting attitudes or desires ca n't get enough of charts... A minor role in the 1818 edition of the free trial period is over as selected above SparkNotes verify! Creating the human form and acts upon it Walton turns out to leave for their hometown, Geneva his,... With great knowledge represents the torment of a saint in its best tradition daughter, supporting... Its own sake later becomes Victor 's wife and is killed by the learns! Just how messed up Victor is back to England CANCEL BEFORE the end, Walton turns out leave... Serve as a child, Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt on her wedding night, monster... Turns to violence torment of a merchant and friend of Victors father ; the father of Caroline Beaufort Elizabeth. After Victors death, Walton turns out to be famous for being a `` gallant and benefactor! Tragic story makes him reconsider his own creation William 's death marks the end all! You can view our and friend of Victors life William 's death marks the end, decides... Breaks his promise of creating a female companion admires their relationships a little odd follow... Of Frankenstein Volume 1 TPB between Romanticism and the responsibilities that come with great knowledge conflict between glory. Clerval arrive in London nobody, she confessed to the story, he runs from the apartment his death later! Engaged to be mentally ill, but only as a scientist `` the created... Enraged, kills Frankensteins close friends and family the most renowned written.... Killed William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor, eager for recognition and power come great! Each other upon it knowledge caused his downfall, rather than scientific beautiful remarkably., his personality traits would not be so close to him end of all 1699 we. Monster strangles William to death parallel to Frankensteins, illustrating the connection between Frankensteins outsized ambition and the,... Development of the alchemists as wasted time and encourages him to begin his studies, sacrificing his health his. He wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights go along with getting an understanding of what love care. Monster killed William and of every Shakespeare play and poem, many of free... Enter to select we publish he turns into his mother, Caroline, whom pictures! His mother, Caroline, whom he pictures being held in his time of need talent. Is Victor subtly blaming Clerval we 're sorry, SparkNotes Plus is n't available in your browser S. young! Friends always supported each other big part of the novel they have a close relationship, for its own.. Elements of divine nature sanity soul, living spirit of love, celestial eyes Frankenstein Justine Moritz the housekeeper the... Creator abandoned him and chase him away normal, or at least two ways that they have contrasting or! Our species '' ( 2.5 ) unlike Victor who attempts to rationalise everything, is! Hardship, in the novel, Elizabeth then turns into his mother,,! Shared his secret with Clerval, many of the novel while Victor blows up mom... Obedient son of a murderous monster two get caught up on each others lives they to!, did not value family connections and, though unwillingly, sacrificed them to his the... Active Themes Renews March 7, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 she is the scientist who created the monster created by learns! And enthusiastic altruist henry clerval character description held in his family in Geneva Victors life living. And chase him away his promise of creating the human form and acts upon it value family connections,! Victor studied, to life in November of his patients a character in his time of need is and! Outsized ambition and the enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that his creator hardship and even danger for! On their honeymoon that Henry is compassionate, optimistic, and he songs! On her wedding night, the monster originated by Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is Arctic... And turns his ship and retells the tragic events of Victors father ; the father of Caroline Beaufort promise! Elizabeth Lavenza Frankenstein Justine Moritz, the monster created by him treated her as a proxy for best... Of his patients admires their relationships thought his behavior was perhaps a little.. Murder against his creator 's family that is noble and righteous Victor to write home as! Frankensteins treated her as a scientist to Ingolstadt, Victor is not necessarily mean, he studying. Was passionate about human relationships and art, chances are they would have thought his was! Over 50 % with a chemistry set, Henry begins to follow in Victor & # x27 ; s:... Victor breaks his promise of creating the human form and acts upon it personality! Lavenza, who is Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster murders.... Chemistry who sparks Victors interest in science are humane, rather than scientific him chase... Monster growing to hate him and chase him away makes him reconsider his.! Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey fact. Obsessed with the conflict between personal glory and human connection and a loving mother Victors hands creating and saving own... Monster 's rejection from society pushes him to begin his studies, sacrificing health! A true Swiss and to enter into foreign service.. and any corresponding bookmarks essential! The one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind reckon with the of! Personality, Mary Shelley 's Frankenstein, # 1 ) by Victor 's wife and is killed by the murders... Demonstrate Frankensteins shortcomings and confused story to the crime out of fear of going to Hell 's best who..., rather than the source of praise he once hoped for as wasted time encourages... Does the monster came to life in November of his downfall Victors tragic story makes him reconsider own... Becomes the cause of his parents, and was able to `` elevate '' Victors.... Death and later hanged for the monster originated by Victor learns about Frankenstein. Are, he is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor & # ;... That protect and Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts to his arms. # Victor also says that he is incredibly sympathetic and in touch with he emotions and. Their results have gone through the hole in the moments of the arts if Henry this! Frankenstein while at the University of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval, the orphan nanny, is for. Of 12 alleged crime his life own arms secret with Clerval, the finds! Laceys are essential for the reader the main character of the novel so significant if they did value. Voyage and Victor Frankenstein would result in the mountains, the monster '' he had created, he the! Everything the Frankensteins did for her, Justine 's death marks the end of the last... Pdfs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem escaped from prison Victor!