Henry Clerval Flashcards
How is Henry neglected by Victor?
-Although Clerval and Victor’s friendship is very close and Clerval cares for him deeply, Victor still doesn’t feel able to tell him the truth about what it is that troubles him.
-This further exaggerates Victor’s isolation and highlights the manner in which he neglects his friends and family and rejects their support.
How is Henry contrasted to Victor?
-Victor and Clerval contrast each other throughout the novel: as boys, they are interested in different things, and this continues into adulthood.
-Throughout the novel, Clerval is seen to have a much brighter temperament than Victor, and his good cheer serves to counteract Victor’s sullenness, depression and how self-centred he is.
‘I entered the room where the corpse lay, and was led up to the coffin. How can I describe my sensations on beholding it? I feel yet parched with horror, nor can I reflect on that terrible moment without shuddering and agony […] I gasped for breath; and, throwing myself on the body, I exclaimed, “Have my murderous machinations deprived you also, my dearest Henry, of life?’”
-The vision of Clerval’s corpse has a physical impact on Victor.
-Shelley shows how the vision impacts Victor emotionally, as he becomes aware of his own involvement in the deaths of his friends and family.
‘His father was a narrow-minded trader, and saw idleness and ruin in the aspirations and ambition of his son.’
-Victor is critical of Clerval’s father’s lack of support of his education.
-This could be read as being ironic, as Victor never seems to truly appreciate the support and encouragement of his own family.
‘He was deeply read in books of chivalry and romance.’
-In childhood, Clerval’s interests clearly differed to Victor’s.
-He is less interested in science, showing more of an affinity for literature and more human endeavors.
-This is one of the ways in which Shelley sets up a contrast between the two friends.
