Henry Clerval
English Lit: Edexcel A Level Frankenstein, topic 2.3.3
Henry Clerval
Henry Clerval is a beloved childhood friend of Victor's. Like Walton, Clerval could be described as a foil character to Victor. Like Elizabeth, Clerval is an innocent man murdered by the Monster.
Introduction
- As a beloved childhood friend of Victor, Henry Clerval is first described as a boy who loved "enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake" and is taught by Elizabeth to aim for "doing good" in the world.
Foil character
- Like Walton, Clerval could be described as a foil character to Victor.
- He shares Frankenstein’s desire to achieve great things but does it without the level of obsession or isolation that Victor reaches.
Differences
- Clerval’s character seems at odds with Victor’s at points, as he states he wishes to learn other languages and travel the world, showing an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and a socialness that is lacking in his school friend.
Potential
- Shelley wants us to view Clerval as the man Victor could have become if he had made better choices.
- Victor even comments that "in Clerval I saw the image of my former self."
Innocence
- Clerval is murdered by the Monster, which, just before Elizabeth’s cruel fate, appears to be another execution of a true innocent who didn’t deserve such a cruel fate.
What do we Know About Clerval?
Frankenstein’s friendship with Clerval shows the importance of companionship in the novel.
Companionship
- Frankenstein gains strength and comfort from having a friend who shares his experiences and feelings:
- "Excellent friend! how sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!"
Contrast
- As a child, Clerval is described as being enamoured with "books of chivalry and romance".
- This exemplifies his selfless and altruistic nature, which contrasts heavily with Victor.
Romantic figure
- He is often seen by critics as being representative of the archetypal Romantic figure; someone who takes delight in the natural world and appreciates the beauty around him with an "eye of feeling and delight."
- Shelley uses a reference to a poem, 'The Story of Rimini', by radical Romantic Leigh Hunt in 1816, to describe Clerval, in Victor words, as the "very poetry of nature."
Test yourself on Henry Clerval
How does Clerval die?
Which poem does Shelley reference to describe Clerval?
What do critics often think of Clerval?