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. 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. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a “Henry”.

. Suggestions Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victor’s sanity. Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. 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.

Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. 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. Henry is compassionate, optimistic, and had a love for reading and literature. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henry’s character. He is obsessed with … 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. Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit.

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While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face.

Victor states, “This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, “I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. The Monster kills him after Victor breaks his promise to create a companion female monster.

While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein his role is almost completely diminished in the film adaptations of the novel. 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. 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 had a brother of his own; however, he considered Clerval, an only child, to be like a brother to him as well. 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. May 28, 2020 by Essay Writer. 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). One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. But after much convincing, Henry sets out to Ingolstadt, where Victor studied, to pursue his dream of furthering his education. References/Suggested Readings What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. 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). Considering the fact that Victor selectively chooses with whom he spends his time, Henry must display the characteristic of kindness. Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, “I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. Henry and Victor are presented as opposites. 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. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his father’s will by going to college in the first place. Victor also says that he had “frequent relapses” (Shelley 39). 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 believes he has found “the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade” in India. The existence of Henry Clerval helps Mary Shelley to convey several themes. Both men grew up in Geneva. Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. Henry exemplifies two themes, compassion and sanity, that Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and sanity. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Victor receives compassion from his family and long-time friend, Henry Clerval. Clerval was also there as the Foil character, as mentioned earlier, to contrast and emphasize even more that emotion of Victor. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Henry Clerval is Victor’s boyhood friend from 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. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henry’s character. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. 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.

It is apparent that Victor is mentally unstable through much of the novel. Excited and disgusted at "the monster" he had created, he runs from the apartment.. 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. He studies language at the University of Ingolstadt and is totally unaware of Victor's creation. Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. 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. Frankenstein. After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victor’s footsteps as a scientist. Summary. 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. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. 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. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Victor's childhood friend Henry is just the pinnacle of awesomeness. Henry Clerval. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. This would have to be frustrating. 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.

Shelley writes, “ ‘This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room’” (Shelley 39). However, because Henry cared enough about his friend and took the time to really examine the situation he realized that Victor was actually sick. Reflecting back to when Victor sees Henry after completing the monster, Victor is relieved to run into him. Victor states, “but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account” (Shelley 38). When he walks into the chamber, he is overcome with horror: the … At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. 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). Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, “I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. Victor states, “This was the commencement of a nervous fever, which confined me for several months. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henry’s character. Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval.

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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. 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. Frankenstein and the Scientific Revolution.

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Once Victor starts to regain his strength, Henry provides guidance to his friend. Victor states, “It was my temper to avoid a crowd, and to attach myself fervently to a few. This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. Impact in/for Frankenstein The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. Henry Clerval might just be the only thing keeping Victor from being a monster himself. He offers the highly sane advice that Victor should write to his family if he feels up to it. At this moment Henry believes this encounter to simply be two friends reuniting. In the 1931 version of Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein the creator of the monster is named, Henry Frankenstein. Henry studies languages at the university and nurses Victor through his breakdowns, setting aside his own studies to do so. Like Victor, he hopes to … 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. And due to not knowing him very well, they would not have done anything about it. 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. 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. Henry exemplifies two themes, compassion and sanity, that Victor has difficulty doing by himself, compassion and sanity. Henry becomes one of the monster’s victims. Clerval sees his dear friend who has been driven crazy by his studies, and by an unknown experience. 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 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. 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 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. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his father’s will by going to college in the first place. I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. Victor states, “but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account” (Shelley 38). Frankenstein. Chapter twenty-one is the last readers hear of Henry where Frankenstein's monster murders him.

While Victor was able to go off and study science in college, Henry’s father attempted to discourage Henry from furthering his education because he wanted Henry to remain a businessman for him. An Inspector Calls Brave New World Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Othello The Merchant of Venice A detailed description and in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. Both men grew up in Geneva. This would have to be frustrating. It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. Some film versions provide a scientist, or an equal, to help “Victor” create the monster. 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). Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. One could say that Henry serves as a breath of fresh air for Victor and brings him back to reality during this interaction. He shows up at just the right time to presumably save the life of Victor. 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. Main Themes

Chapter five is the first instance that readers actually get to meet Henry Clerval. This would have to be frustrating. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his father’s will by going to college in the first place. His cheerfulness counters Victor’s moroseness. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a “Henry”.

Victor states, “but when he observed me more attentively he saw a wildness in my eyes for which he could not account” (Shelley 38). Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. 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. After the two get caught up on each other’s lives they head to Victor’s apartment. Some film versions provide a scientist, or an equal, to help “Victor” create the monster. 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 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. 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. Henry Clerval Description Henry Clerval is Victor’s dear childhood friends, who nurses Victor back to health. 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 was a boy of singular talent and fancy" (I:1:11). It is not far-fetched to say that Victor acts a tad insane during much of Frankenstein. Read an in-depth analysis of Henry Clerval. Ingolstadt. 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. 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. William Frankenstein Victor states, “It was my temper to avoid a crowd, and to attach myself fervently to a few. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Contrast Victor's academic interests with those of his friend, Henry Clerval. Comparison with other characters. Frankenstein draws strength and comfort from having a friend who shares his experiences and feelings: “Excellent friend! However, readers actually meet Henry in chapter five of the novel when Victor has just finished creating the monster. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. 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). Victor’s nostalgia disappears when he sees Henry and learns that Henry is just beginning school at Ingolstadt. He displays the attentive, caring, devoted behavior of a true friend. 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. 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. Henry Clerval. Henry nursed him through a long period of illness before Victor returned to Geneva. how sincerely you did love me, and endeavor to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!”. He always admired the professor’s genius and inexhaustible imagination, detracting from own talents. Reflecting back to when Victor sees Henry after completing the monster, Victor is relieved to run into him. Victor and Henry eventually part ways on their journey. As mentioned before, Henry serves as Victor’s foil character. 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. He wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Henry Clerval finds him in poor condition. This is where Henry comes in and provides benevolence to the story. 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. ” This quote is spoken from Victor’s point of view towards his feelings of Henry. 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. They hardly know how ill you have been, and are uneasy at your long silence’ =” (Shelley 39). Contents[show] Victor’s boyhood friend, who nurses Victor back to health in Ingolstadt. Henry Clerval was strangled. What he does not know is how badly Victor needs this human interaction, especially with a familiar face. However, Henry seems to step in and serve as Victor’s sanity. Henry Clerval: Henry is Victor’s best friend and follows him to Ingolstadt to help Victor recover from an illness. Shelley writes, “ ‘This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room’” (Shelley 39). Introducing Clerval to Ingolstadt's professors is pure torture, in that they unfailingly exclaim over Victor's scientific prowess. 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). Victor describes Clerval as having a vast imagination, a sensitive heart, and boundless love of nature. Such a man has a double existence: he m… While with Victor, Henry writes letters to Victor’s family because Victor is unable to do so.

Shelley started writing the story when she was 18, and the first edition was published anonymously in London on 1 January 1818, when she was 20. 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.