Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. Clerval believes he has found “the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade” in India. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud” (Shelley 38). 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. The existence of Henry Clerval helps Mary Shelley to convey several themes. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. Frankenstein and the Scientific Revolution. This would have to be frustrating. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, “I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. He always admired the professor’s genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victor’s family because Victor is unable to do so. Henry Clerval is Victor’s boyhood friend from Geneva. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. When Victor was in Ingolstadt so long without sending word to his family, Henry relocated there to study and to look after Victor. 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. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other. He was a boy of singular talent and fancy" (I:1:11). This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henry’s part. Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. 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. Introducing Clerval to Ingolstadt's professors is pure torture, in that they unfailingly exclaim over Victor's scientific prowess. An Inspector Calls Brave New World Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Othello The Merchant of Venice Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. He prefers the arts as opposed to the sciences. Comparison with other characters. 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. The monster has asked him to build a mate, a female monster, in return for a promise that he would go away to the rain forest in South America and never bother Victor again. Victor also says that he had “frequent relapses” (Shelley 39). Impact in/for Frankenstein Victor desires to learn about science- the secrets of heaven and earth, and the "inner spirit of nature" and the "physical secrets of the world," while Henry Clerval prefers the "moral relations" of things, including history, literature, and languages. Compassion As mentioned before, Henry serves as Victor’s foil character. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. 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. It would take someone with dedication and sincere kindness to stick with a person through this difficult journey, and Henry does just that without much hesitation, it seems. Victor Frankenstein is the main protagonist of the novel. Frankenstein.
Henry Clerval might just be the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself. Upon seeing Henry, Victor states, “I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy” (Shelley 37). Such a man has a double existence: he m… 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. Their friendship began in childhood and continued into adulthood. Shelley writes, “ ‘This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room’” (Shelley 39). And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. There are other characters that portray the theme of sanity; however, during Henry’s 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. Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. MetaNarrative Henry Clerval is seen as the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself.Victor describes him as having a "noble spirit," of being "perfectly humane, so thoughtful in his generosity, so full of kindness and He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. Victor states, “but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account” (Shelley 38). However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victor’s sanity. Henry also opted not to tell Victor’s 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. Clerval is first described as a boy who loved “enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake.” Like Walton, Clerval shares Frankenstein’s desire to achieve great things at any cost. 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. Seeing the novel through the eyes of Clerval makes us see Frankenstein as more of an emotional man than a logical one. Clerval serves as Victor's guiding light throughout Frankenstein, selflessly helping Victor but never prodding him to reveal his secrets. ,While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. Main Themes It is important to note that even though Henry does not show up often in, While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s, William Wordsworth, Ode: Intimations on Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood (1807). Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment.. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Clerval sees his dear friend who has been driven crazy by his studies, and by an unknown experience. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henry’s character. The Characterization of Henry Clerval essaysWhen creating a character, the author must take into consideration the many different attributes that this character should or shouldn't have. Discover and share Henry Clerval Quotes. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. Ingolstadt. ” This quote is spoken from Victor’s point of view towards his feelings of Henry. 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). Victor states, “This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. Both men grew up in Geneva. Frankenstein draws strength and comfort from having a friend who shares his experiences and feelings: “Excellent friend! But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. Contents[show] Henry Clerval functions in the novel as: the good and faithful friend, another member of the supportive circle from Frankenstein's childhood; like other members of that circle, he is ultimately powerless to save Victor from himself. Henry exemplifies two themes, compassion and sanity, that Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and sanity. This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henry’s part. It would take someone with dedication and sincere kindness to stick with a person through this difficult journey, and Henry does just that without much hesitation, it seems. Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, An Academic Wiki, http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/, https://mary-shelley.fandom.com/wiki/Henry_Clerval?oldid=8301. Henry Clerval: Life-long friend of Victor Frankenstein, Henry was poetic, sensitive and caring, and their friendship was a strong one. Without ambition, he says, “America would have been discovered more gradually; and the empires of Mexico and Peru had not been destroyed.” Frankenstein’s friendship with Clerval also shows the importance of companionship in the novel. This would have to be frustrating. It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. Henry Clerval Description Henry Clerval is Victor’s dear childhood friends, who nurses Victor back to health. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a “Henry”.
Victor states, “This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. ,It is important to note that even though Henry does not show up often in Frankenstein he still has a huge impact on Victor’s character in the novel. Clerval was also there as the Foil character, as mentioned earlier, to contrast and emphasize even more that emotion of Victor. Henry Clerval: Henry is Victor’s best friend and follows him to Ingolstadt to help Victor recover from an illness. The Role of Henry Clerval: Henry Clerval, who is a doctor in his own right, plays a key role in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.He also ends up paying dearly for his relationship with Victor Frankenstein. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. In Chapter 21, Victor is taken to see Henry's body. During all that time Henry was my only nurse” (Shelley 38).
Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. Henry, after observing his friend's distaste for his former laboratory, has procured a new apartment for him and removed all of his scientific instruments.
It is apparent that Victor is mentally unstable through much of the novel. Mary Shelley Wiki is a FANDOM Books Community. This is a pleasurable sight for Victor as the weather was so uninviting earlier on in the chapter. However, he does not inform them of Victor’s illness because it would only worry them and his dad would not be able to make the journey (Shelley 39). When Victor's father questions Victor's commitment to Elizabeth, his bride to be, Victor tells him that he needs space. Unlike most characters in a novel, the Monster has no background, family or past history. Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankenstein’s closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. The Monster kills him after Victor breaks his promise to create a companion female monster. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/, Henry Clerval serves as Victor Frankenstein’s closest and most sincere friend, as well as his foil character. Print. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. Clerval is described in the novel as having a "noble spirit," He is a kind, amiable character and one that Victor thinks very highly of. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. He is obsessed with … how sincerely you did love me, and endeavor to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!”. Henry Clerval. A detailed description and in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. He was a boy of singular talent and fancy" . Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. The fact that Henry was mentioned by Victor so many time in the last volume, made Clerval’s death that much more significant and difficult not just for Victor, but for the reader as well. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud” (Shelley 38). Victor Frankenstein. Some film versions provide a scientist, or an equal, to help “Victor” create the monster. It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. If we take the view of Henry Clerval, we only see Frankenstein’s extremes. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud” (Shelley 38).
,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. Henry and Victor are presented as opposites. However, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. https://www.rc.umd.edu/editions/frankenstein/Chars/clerval. After the two get caught up on each other’s lives they head to Victor’s apartment. Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. William Frankenstein Henry Clerval. Henry becomes one of the monster’s victims. This would have to be frustrating. Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. If Henry lacked this it would be very unlikely that Victor would want to be so close to him. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence’ =” (Shelley 39). One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction.
. 66) “Clerval, whole eyes and feelings were always quick in discerning the sensations of others, declined the subject, alleging, in excuse, his total ignorance; and the conversation took a more general turn. Both men grew up in Geneva. Contrast (Compare) Victor's academic interests with those of his friend, Henry Clerval. 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. In the book Frankenstein, Mary Shelley created Henry Clerval to be a gentleman and a good friend, but she ga ,Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. This serves as a minute but intelligent decision on Henry’s part. Caroline Frankenstein adopts Elizabeth when she's five from a family of poor Italian people (it's okay, though: she's really the daughter of an Italian nobleman). While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victor’s family because Victor is unable to do so. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. Victor also says that he had “frequent relapses” (Shelley 39). This is smart thinking on Henry’s part because Victor is finally showing signs of lasting progress and he knows how much Victor’s family means to him.
Victor’s boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. Reflecting back to when Victor sees Henry after completing the monster, Victor is relieved to run into him. Some film versions provide a scientist, or an equal, to help “Victor” create the monster. Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. Frankenstein. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. His cheerfulness counters Victor’s moroseness. There are other characters that portray the theme of sanity; however, during Henry’s 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. Victor had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, “I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. First, we watch as Victor loses touch with his family, his moral compass, and his … This is smart thinking on Henry’s part because Victor is finally showing signs of lasting progress and he knows how much Victor’s family means to him. However, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. 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. Shelley writes, “ ‘This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room’” (Shelley 39). What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henry’s character. https://www.rc.umd.edu/editions/frankenstein/Chars/clerval,In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. 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). After the two get caught up on each other’s lives they head to Victor’s apartment. Summary. Also like Frankenstein, Clerval makes a discovery at university. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor’s footsteps as a scientist. Victor states, “It was my temper to avoid a crowd, and to attach myself fervently to a few. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. He is described as a gentle, handsome, and morally upright man who enjoys adventure. Once the two friends are in Victor’s 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. Sanity Victor’s nostalgia disappears when he sees Henry and learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt. It would take someone with dedication and sincere kindness to stick with a person through this difficult journey, and Henry does just that without much hesitation, it seems. Contrast Victor's academic interests with those of his friend, Henry Clerval. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. Like Victor, he hopes to … Once the two friends are in Victor’s 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. Henry also opted not to tell Victor’s 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, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. When he walks into the chamber, he is overcome with horror: the … Almost all we know about her is her looks: she's "a creature who seemed to shed radiance from her looks" (1.6); she's "thin and very fair. Victor desires to learn about science- the secrets of heaven and earth, and the "inner spirit of nature" and the "physical secrets of the world," while Henry Clerval prefers the "moral relations" of things, including history and literature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victor’s sanity. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. 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. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. During all that time Henry was my only nurse” (Shelley 38). Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his father’s will by going to college in the first place. 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.
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. Henry also opted not to tell Victor’s 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. Victor states, “but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account” (Shelley 38). Henry Clerval in Frankenstein. "He had apparently been strangled, for there was no sign of any violence except the black mark of fingers on his neck." New York: Dover Publications, 1994. He tells his father he is planning to go to England for two years to finish his work, and promises to wed Elizabeth on his ret… Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Victor describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and boundless love of nature. Henry is Victor’s opposite. Clerval's optimism also stands in contrast to Victor's gloominess. Henry Clerval. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. Henry nursed him through a long period of illness before Victor returned to Geneva. I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. 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. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence’ =” (Shelley 39).In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. This is smart thinking on Henry’s part because Victor is finally showing signs of lasting progress and he knows how much Victor’s family means to him. Clerval’s story runs parallel to Frankenstein’s, illustrating the connection between Frankenstein’s outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. 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. Given that Henry only shows up in a few select scenes in the novel, it is easy to omit his role when this story is transferred into a motion picture. Upon seeing Henry, Victor states, “I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy” (Shelley 37). After the two get caught up on each other’s lives they head to Victor’s apartment. 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. 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.