The Characterization of Henry Clerval
When creating a character, the author must take into consideration the many different attributes that this character should or shouldn't have. In the book Frankenstein, Mary Shelley created Henry Clerval to be a gentleman and a good friend, but she gave him several other attractive qualities. Although many of Henry's characteristics are desirable, some of them are not, and that is what makes him seem more like a real person. The reader can relate to Henry's character easier when Henry acts more like an ordinary human being would act in a given situation. One way that the reader compares himself to Clerval is when the reader thinks about what a friend is. There are many qualities that people look for in a friend or a best friend. Different people value certain characteristics more than others, but some of the most desirable qualities include kindness, honesty, and responsibility. Henry Clerval displays compassion, a strong sense of companionship, and intelligence throughout the novel Frankenstein. Henry displays characteristics of compassion not only towards Victor Frankenstein, but to the Frankenstein family as well. From childhood well into adulthood Henry plays an enormous part in Victor's life, whether it was being his best f
riend, or studying schoolwork together. He becomes Frankenstein's caregiver and has the job of reviving Frankenstein's broken spirits, as well as physically nursing him back to health. This is where Clerval's compassion comes in, when he concerns himself with Frankenstein's happiness and enjoyment of life. Because of the journeys that Henry and Victor go on, and the many different places that they travel together, adventurous would definitely be another way to describe Henry Clerval. Intelligence and imagination are two of Henry's most intriguing characteristics. He emphasizes how important it is to have a good attitude even when everything seems to be going wrong. When Frankenstein is in need of medical help, Henry comes to Frankenstein's aid by nursing him and helping him when he is having a tough time. Clerval's role changes from being a friend, to being more than a companion to Frankenstein as time goes on. Henry takes upon the role of playing the brother that Frankenstein never had a chance to fully experience and take advantage of. He seeks to be not only a friend to Frankenstein but a brother figure as well. When Clerval is murdered by the creature created by Frankenstein, the reader is able to fully see how much Clerval meant to Frankenstein and how badly it hurt him to lose a friend as special as Clerval. It also shows how Henry's character has grown and matured to be a better person. The way that Henry Clerval is described in Frankenstein can be summed up as being thoughtful, nurturing, understanding, and an outstanding friend to Victor and Victor's family. When Victor seems to be hiding something serious from Henry, he knows Victor well enough to understand that something isn't right.
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