Henry Clerval

Henry Clerval

Henry Clerval

Description

Henry Clerval is Victor’s dear childhood friends, who nurses Victor back to health. 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. Clerval is thought to be “perfectly humane, so thoughtful in his generosity, so full of kindness and tenderness amidst his passion" In the novel almost being described as the opposite of Victor himself. Clerval is perceptive and quick to empathise with others, he's "always quick in discerning the sensations of others" Henry demonstrates a clear awareness of others that Victor lacks. Like Walton and Victor , Henry is eager in the pursuit of knowledge however he is more capable of balancing his studies with the rest of his life.

Relationships with other characters

Clerval’s relationship with Victor is important, he was Victor’s friend since childhood along with knowing Elizabeth. He was the son of one of Victor’s father’s closest friends, and was considered almost as another family member to the Frankensteins. They had a very close friendship especially during childhood, Victor being a brotherly figure to Clerval. Victor thought very highly of Clerval, seeing the greatness of his character and ideals around humanities (which opposed Victor’s science) and kindness. Clerval helped Victor often, caring for him during his first fever and helping to bring him happiness during his depression. They travelled through Europe across a period of two years. He had the potential to stop the entire catastrophe, however is too respectful of Victor’s privacy to intervene with anything. After his death Victor ended up arrested for the murder of Clerval, and obviously the friendship came to a tragic end.
His relationship and contact with the Monster is limited, the most important point being he was murdered by the creature potentially as a result of Victor not completing his second creation due to Clerval proposing that...

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