Frankensteininnl in Chapters 5 and 6 appears out of nowhere during Victor Frankenstein’s breakdown. The true values and morals of Clerval are revealed through his actions. Clerval gives Frankenstein a rush of comfort and brings Frankenstein back down to earth. On page 37, Frankenstein’s excitement for Clerval’s arrival can be seen: “Nothing could equal my delight on seeing Clerval; his presence brought back to my thoughts my father, Elizabeth, and all those scenes of home so dear to my recollection.” While Frankenstein does not entrust the secret of the monster in Clerval, Clerval and Frankenstein are the best of friends. Clerval reveals his commitment to the relationship when he cares for Frankenstein during his illness. On page 38, Frankenstein describes Clerval’s actions of tender care: “During all that time Henry was my only nurse. . . He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive nurse than himself . . . he performed the kindest action that he could.” Clerval also tries to rekindle the relationship between Frankenstein and his family away back home. Clerval’s personality and actions reveal that even in Frankenstein’s darkest hours that a friend will help one in need.

Frankenstein and Clerval differ on the personality level, but they do share some similarities. For instances they both take pleasure in education. On page 44 one can see Clerval’s urge to learn, “He came to the university with the design of making himself complete master of the Oriental languages, as thus he should open a field for the plan of life he had marked out for himself.” This similarity amongst very different people shows the drive of people in general for one common goal. This coincides with the theme of the dangers of chasing knowledge. For Frankenstein the danger, consequence, of seeking knowledge about the natural sciences was his monster. The monster that he so longed to create ended up turning from a thing of desire to a fear of the night.

These chapters reveal that Victor and Henry are opposites when it comes to the feelings of others. Frankenstein cares little about others, while Clerval put his life on hold for the betterment of his friend. When Frankenstein was completely engrossed with his project of creating a human, he paid little to no attention to his family he left behind when he went to school. Once the person was finally created, Frankenstein became terrified of it and tried his hardest to avoid it completely, even running away from it. He cared little about the feelings of his family and how frightened they might be to not hear from him very often. He also showed little sympathy for the “monster” he created, simply because it scared him. He cared not that he had created it and he was responsible for it. He even states that “the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart (pg 35).” Clerval on the other hand, cared very much for the feelings of others. As soon as he realized Frankenstein was sick, he put his schooling dreams on hold, despite the fact that it was quite difficult for him to even be able to attend school (pg 37). Clerval takes the time to write to Victor’s family and is careful what he reveals so as not to cause them unrest. He is even so kind as to be aware of what angers and upsets Victor and he quickly removes Victor from any situation that might cause turmoil. Clerval deeply cares about others, while Frankenstein cares more about himself and his own well-being. Knowing this about these two men allows the reader to understand how selfishness can lead to destruction (Frankenstein becoming sick), while putting others first can lead to further happiness (Clerval gets to enjoy school).

It is obvious that Henry Clerval and Victor Frankenstein made choices differently in their youth. Clerval chose to put his youthful energy into furthering his education and general knowledge. He chose to study humanities. “Meanwhile Clerval occupied himself, so to speak, with the moral relations of things” (19). Frankenstein decided to use his energy to pursue a dangerous and catastrophic scientific experiment without proper reason. “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn; and whether it was the outward substance of things, or the inner spirit of nature and the mysterious soul of a man that occupied me, still my enquiries were directed to the metaphysical, or in its highest sense, the physical secrets of the world” (19). In chapters five and six, the reader is able to see what has become of both of these men. One is able to see that Henry has grown up to be successful and content with life. Frankenstein is miserable and living life in fear of his own creation. I believe that Mary Shelley chose to include a character like Henry Clerval to demonstrate what Victor Frankenstein could have been had he made the wise choices that Clerval had made.

Henry and Victor have different means of thinking. Victor seems to think less of what his actions will cause, such as the creation of the monster while Henry will think the situation though. This can be seen when Henry decides to stay and nurse Victor back to health, “He knew that I could not have a more kind and attentive nurse than himself; and, firm in the hope he felt of my recovery, he did not doubt that, instead of doing harm, he performed the kindest action that he could towards him” (page 38). This impacts the literary interpretation of the work as the reader has in mind the way Victor thinks as if they know him personally. This exemplifies the Romantic Era as the purpose is to show human experience and the relationships between mind and others. Henry also thinks ahead and has Victor’s good health in mind as he holds off giving Victor his letter from Elizabeth and also responds to his family’s letters to Victor for the sake of everyone. This can be shown through Elizabeth’s letter, “You have been ill, very ill, and even the constant letters of dear kind henry are not sufficient to reassure me on your account. You are forbidden to write- to hold a pen; yet one word from you, dear victor, is necessary to calm our apprehensions…Clerval writes that indeed you are getting better” (page 40).

Frankenstein and Clerval are two very different men. Frankenstein is selfish Clerval is selfless. First of all, Frankenstein is the cause of his own illness. He got himself into trouble by creating the monster, so he should be able to take care of himself and fix the problems he created. However, instead of taking care of his own problems, he needs Clerval to tend to him. Frankenstein has not been a good friend or family member in the past couple of months because he was so involved in his project. He promised to write to Elizabeth, for instance, but did not follow through with this as his studies mattered more to him. Clerval has just arrived to Ingolstadt to study; however, upon seeing his friend in such distress, he decides to be his caretaker. "A meeting, which he anticipated with such joy, so strangely turned to bitterness," remarks Frankenstein (P. 38). "This whole winter, instead of being spend in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room," (P. 39). Frankenstein would not have done the same if Clerval had fallen ill when he was focused on completing his monster. Frankenstein's illness impedes on Clerval's studies. Frankenstein is extremely selfish while Clerval is selfless.

Frankenstein in these chapters contradicts himself. I feel that he fell from one end of a spectrum to the other. He swiftly began to create life from this inanimate body and expected this creation to solve all of his problems. He completely blocked everyone out of his life and assumed that by creating life he would find all the answers to everything. I think this mindset was originally instilled in Frankenstein when he was young. He was overly curious about the natural sciences and how things came to be in the beginning of time. He was then shifted when his mother died. I believe that Frankenstein was like a glass full of water about to spill over, and his mother’s death was the last drop that resulted in an overflow. Frankenstein loses it! When his creation first awoke, he was in awe “Beautiful! – Great God!” (Page 35) However when the monster’s reality set in Frankenstein’s mind he was afraid of what he had given life to. “Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room” (Page 35). Frankenstein’s encounter with Clerval also proved that he had lost his priorities in life.

I believe Frankenstein’s fate aligns with the theme of be careful of what you wish for. Frankenstein wished for this creation to have life and that is what he got. Nevertheless, as soon as he received his wish the unthinkable happened. His monster turned against him. There were also omens that added to the consequences of his “wish.” For instances his father is ill (“your father’s health is vigorous” pg. 40), Ernest wants to be a “soldier,” Justine had lost all of her family, etc.

Victor himself is realizing that he is narrow minded and by the help of Henry he is starting to grow: “A selfish pursuit had cramped and narrowed me, until your gentleness and affection warmed and opened my sense; I became the same happy creature who, a few years ago, loved and beloved by all, had no sorrow or care” (page 45). This gives the reader a sense of maturity to Victor but it also shows how young his mind still is. Henry in this case can act as the older brother as he cares for Victor allowing Victor to get back on track as he was too ill-consumed in science. The way Henry acts as an older brother can be seen in the way Victor speaks of him, “Henry rejoiced in my gaiety, and sincerely sympathized in my feelings: he exerted himself to amuse me, while he expressed the sensations that filled his souls. The resources of his mind on this occasion were truly astonishing: his conversation was full of imagination; and very often, in imitation of the Persian and Arabic writers…” (page 45). Henry is an intelligent and caring person to Victor.

Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval are both very eager in their pursuit of knowledge and they have been from a young age. Clerval said, “but his affection for me at great length overcame his dislike of learning, and he has permitted me to undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge” (37). They differ in their areas of study. Clerval’s studies are based more on humanities, such as classical and oriental language, and Frankenstein’s are based on science. Frankenstein said, “I confess that neither the structure of languages, nor the code of governments, nor the politics of various states possessed attractions for me” (19). One significant difference between the two is that Clerval is able to balance his studies with other social aspects of life, while Frankenstein becomes so deeply focused in his study that he is unable to be social, which keeps him from interacting with his family and friends. Chapters five and six reveal that although at one time Henry Clerval and Victor Frankenstein were both on a journey for new knowledge, the knowledge that they pursued differed and ultimately, shaped their characters.

Frankenstein differs from Clerval in that he is very irresponsible as well. Frankenstein creates a monster. It is his responsibility to take care of this monster since he brought it to life. However, he rejects his creation as soon as he brings it into this world. "He held up the curtain of the bed; and his eyes, if eyes they must be called, were fixed on me. His jaws opened, and he muttered some inarticulate sounds, while a grin wrinkled on his cheeks. He might have spoken, but I did not hear; one hand was stretched out, seemingly to detain me, but I escaped, and rushed downstairs. I took refuge in the courtyard belonging to the house which I inhabited; where I remained during the rest of the night, (P. 35-36). Frankenstein should not have left his creation unattended because he does not know what it is capable of. However, he does just the opposite of what he should and leaves his monster to do as it pleases. Also, Frankenstein is not capable of taking care of himself. "I had deprived myself of rest and health," (P. 35). If Frankenstein was not capable of caring for himself, he should not have brought another being into the world under his care. Clerval, on the other hand, is very responsible. The minute he notices that something is wrong with his friend, he decides to take care of him. Frankenstein did not even have to ask for Clerval's help because Clerval immediately offered it and did everything that he could to help Frankenstein. He even sacrificed his studies, which was the reason why he was in Ingolstadt. Clerval is very responsible while Frankenstein is not.

These chapters could be revealing Shelley's attitude towards the sciences and the arts. Victor's devotion to science segregates him from his college community. He spends all his time dabbling "among the unhallowed damps of the grave or torturing the living animal to animate the lifeless clay" instead of making new friendships and sustaining the ones he already has (33). His "human nature turn[s] with loathing" from what he is doing (33). In this way Shelley criticizes the scientific profession for turning its back on what is right and what a man should do. Henry on the other hand is a man of the arts and wants to learn languages. He wants to communicate with others and connect with them, unlike Frankenstein. By setting each man as a representative of the two disciplines, it is clear that Shelley thought the humanities was a more "noble" undertaking.

The interactions between Victor and Henry display the vast differences in their character development and personalities. Victor completely devoted himself to his work and cared little about social interactions with his family and friends. Henry on the other hand is the opposite and displayed this by taking care of Victor when he was ill. He realized that having a social life is necessary in order to impede going insane.

Frankenstein and Clerval are both very interested in school. They both seem very attentive in learning all that they can. Frankenstein went off to school after his mother died. He was very interested in the natural sciences. When he went to school he became quite engrossed in the subject and quickly forgot the rest of the world. He worked hard to broaden his mind in the subject. He read all that he could on the subject and asked many questions about what he wanted to know. Clerval was also quite interested in learning. He worked hard to get his father allow him to go to school. Once he got to school, he had to put learning on hold to take care of Frankenstein, but once Frankenstein got better, Henry once again became captivated with the idea of schooling. Both men were intelligent and willing to learn new things about the subjects they were interested in. They are similar in that they both want to grow in knowledge. This helps the reader to understand that with knowledge comes great responsibility and that knowledge can help one grow.

I thought these two chapters revealed the differences in Henry and Victor. Henry is very loyal. A lot of time has passed and he hasn't seen Victor, yet Henry spends months nursing him back to health even though Victor completely abandoned his family and friends ("Two years passed in this matter, during which I paid no visit to Geneva" p.29) I think this brings up a theme of loyalty. This is also shown in the way that Victor abandons his monster after saying he was "Beautiful! p.35"

I think in this section Victor is portrayed as more of a dreamer, and Henry is a doer. This is shown multiple times. Henry doesn't have all the opportunities that Victor does, but he fights to make things happen in his favor. "He had endeavored to persuade his father to permit him to accompany [Victor], and to become [his] fellow student; but in vain. p.25" Yet later Victor gets himself through school. Henry on the other hand is allowed to go to college and dreams up this great idea to bring the dead to life, but when he does he is afraid of what he's done. His dreams should have stayed dreams. It is also shown that Henry is just a dreamer when he talks about how he wants to go visit his family; but he doesn't.

Chapters five and six are much focused on the depression that the monster sends Frankenstein into. The way that Victor Frankenstein and Henry Clerval react to Frankenstein’s depression show the true features of the characters. It reveals the self-serving nature of Frankenstein and the pleasing disposition of Clerval. While Frankenstein clearly appreciates the effort that Clerval puts into trying to return him to a normal state. He states, “‘Dearest Clerval,’ exclaimed I, ‘how kind, how very good you are to me. This whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you have promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room. How shall I ever repay you?’”(pg.39). However, Frankenstein has no real interest in the way that he is affecting Clerval. While he acknowledges the fact that he has affected Clerval and his learning, it never stopped him from using Clerval as his nurse to cure him of his depression. The same depression he had brought on himself.

Clerval on the other hand is a very pleasing person and focuses not on the education of himself, but on the healing of Frankenstein. He had begged his father to come to the college to learn more for his profession “’ You may easily believe,’ said he ‘how great was the difficulty to persuade my father that all necessary knowledge was not comprised in the noble art of book-keeping,” (pg.37). He not only sacrifices his time at the college, but also the time it takes to write Frankenstein’s letters home since he cannot. The admiral tone the author takes towards Clerval portrays him as the ray of sunshine in Frankenstein’s life. Clerval is ray that is constantly leading him out of the dark.

The literary interpretation of the book is affected because the main character in this case is portrayed and the worst person in the book. This gives the theme of the book a darker twist and leads the reader to think of the protagonist in the worst light possible.

In the beginning of Chapter five Victor presents himself to be reclusive, dependent, and much more weak than Henry: physically and mentally. Victor states that he is "in reality very ill; and surely nothing but the unbounded and unremitting attentions of [his] friend could have restored [him] to life" (pg 39). Without Henry, Victor would have surely gone mad, and lost touch with his family. Henry takes the time out of his life to care for Victor at his time of need. Henry is therefore compassionate and understanding, attributes that Victor does not display. Henry does not question Victor about his troubles. "Henry rejoiced in [Victor's] gaiety, and sincerely sympathised in [his] feelings: he exerted himself to amuse [Victor], while he expressed the sensations that filled his soul" (pg 45).

There are differences between both of these characters for Clerval is pleasing and selfless, while Victor is selfish and all about himself and his work on the creature. On page 37, Victor says that he is "lately been so deeply engaged in occupation, that I (he) have not allowed myself sufficient rest, as you see". Clerval's personality of selflessness is on page 38 when Clerval finds Victor and he is worried and exclaiming how he could be this sick; "My dear Victor," cried he, "what, for God's sake, is the matter? Do not laugh in that manner. How ill you are! What is the cause of all this?".Clearly it shows that Clerval is worried about a dear friend and is willing to help.

Both Victor and Henry share a sense of discovery. Henry is attempting to discover a passage through the Arctic Ocean to the North Pacific Ocean through the seas of the North Pole. He even spent six years discovering and preparing all the information to start an expedition. However, in chapter 5 he finds his discoveries lead him to uncover the secrets and excitement behind Frankenstein's monster. "Henry should see him" and the fact that he "dreaded to behold this monster" were instances of his discoveries (pg.38). Victor uses science to discover the secrets in creating life after death. He discovers the consequences of playing with fate and eventually realizes he was in the wrong. "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body," but now only "breathless horror and disgust filled [his] heart" (pg.35)

Frankenstein reveals himself to be continually self serving no matter what, while Clerval is very conscious of the effects of his actions. For example, when Frankenstein creates the monster, instead of ending the monster (thereby ending the danger that he fears), he runs away from it, more concerned with the fact that he will not receive the scientific recognition he desired than anything.

Frankenstein and Clerval are opposites of one another. Frankenstein is narrow-minded and obsessive where Henry is unselfish and able to take care of more then one thing at a time. Frankenstein has extreme focus; he cannot focus on more than one thing. This is seen in his inability to think about anything but his monster. He "had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body" (p. 87). His creation was not what he expected, so he tried to rid himself of it completely. Frankenstein could only concentrate on his failure to the point of sickness that "confined me for several months" (p. 93). He was obsessed with himself. On the other hand, Henry looked out for those around him. His "whole winter, instead of being spent in study, as you promised yourself, has been consumed in my sick room" (p. 94-95). Clerval took care of Frankenstein, but he also made sure to take care of Victor's family. He wrote letters to them to keep them from worry. The differences of their characters give the reader a point to develop their feelings from. The stark contrast between Victor and Henry exaggerate the imperfections of Victor's character. The reader can then come to the interpretation that Victor may be the bad guy in this story.

These chapters reveal the battle of Clerval's joy and Frankenstein's moroseness. On pg. 39, Frankenstein goes into a long winded rant about how Clerval was happy to be there until he had to help the sick Frankenstein in his bedroom the whole time. This shows the joy that Clerval brings to situations compared to the intense gloom of Frankenstein's personality that just seeps into everyone else's lives.

Chapters 5 and 6 reveal new dimensions of the characters of Frankenstein and Clerval. Before this point, we see the pair as children, and it is already apparent that their personalities are presented in contrast.

Frankenstein's "passions [were] vehement" and he always was driven to learn "the secrets of heaven and earth" and the "physical secrets of the world" whereas "Clerval occupied himself ... with the moral relations of things". He is described as "perfectly humane .. thoughtful in his generosity," someone who balanced his "passion for adventurous exploit" with "kindness and tenderness". (19-20)

Although both are described as "passionate" about what interests them, Clerval and Frankenstein differ in how they deal with their passions. I think that this contrast in their personalities is a crux in one of the themes in this book: destructive passion. While Clerval checks his passion for learning to nurse Victor when he is struck with fever for several months instead of going to school, Victor lets his passion to "bestow animation on lifeless matter" (32) completely consume his life, allowing his "cheek to grow pale with study and [his] person to become emaciated with confinement". (32)

In this way, Henry fulfills the role of a foil to Victor -- his contrasting generosity and patience illuminates just how wrong and destructive Victor's unchecked passion is.

The introduction of Clerval back into the story represents Frankenstein's social life coming into fruition. He totally ostracized everyone in his life to completely focus on his work. The death of his mother greatly effected this because he did not want to become close to another person and have them abruptly taken from him. Clerval on the other hand greatly cherishes companionship and puts his life on hold to nurse his old friend back to health.

Clerval's personality of being a pleasing and happy guy, is 'rubbing off" on Victor when he was with Clerval. On page 39, Victor says that "I felt also sentiments of joy and affection revive in my bosom; my gloom disappeared, and in a short time I became as cheerful as before I was attacked by the fatal passion", He seems to be coming out from his downward spiral and being more optimistic. He also seems to be returing to his old self. But he uses the word "revive" to show that he was happy at one point and it was brought back again after a depression. Once again, this passage shows the difference between Clerval and Victor by how Victor was depressed, but Clerval was optimistic.

Henry is the complete opposite of Victor. Victor is very secretive and lonely, while Henry is like a breathe of fresh air and balances out Victor. He highlights the theme of companionship as opposed to isolation. He comes in when Victor is locking him self up all alone its nice to see a companion and reveals different points of his personality.

Throughout chapter five and six, Shelly makes a point to contrast Victor and Henry's characters. Although both Victor and Henry are both intelligent, Victor fails to balance his life with education, family, and his social life. Victor tells Henry that he has been "so deeply engaged in one occupation, that [he has] not allowed [himself] sufficient rest" (pg. 37). Henry on the other hand is able to care for Victor while he is weak and ill, and then focus on his studies. In addition, Victor is secretive, while Henry is not and he respects his friends privacy, showing that Henry is a noble man. Victor states that he loves his friend "yet [he] could never persuade [him]self to confide to [Henry] that event which was so often present to [his] recollection. . ." (pg 43).

Clerval acts as an adult figure in the life of Frankenstein. After running from his apartment, Frankenstein wanders the streets of Ingolstadt until Clerval finds him. He is in poor condition, and Clerval takes it upon himself to help the man. Clerval helps Frankenstein get better the rest of the winter and spring. Clerval even convinces Frankenstein to write home to his family in Geneva. In the end, without Clerval's parent like help, Frankenstein may have never been able to recover from his making of the monster. Frankenstein first says "I traversed the streets without any clear conception of where i was or what i was doing" (pg.36), but then he "forgot [his] horror and misfortune" and felt "calm and serene joy" (pg.37) after Clerval came.

Victor Frankenstein is driven mad with the ambition he has for his work. Henry Clerval ambition is channeled towards a different idea. Clerval is more concerned with the feelings of others than himself and often sacrifices for others. Frankenstein on the other hand is driven by his own wants and needs. The two are compared side by side within chapters five and six with the way the react to Frankenstein’s depression.

Frankenstein has been driven since the end of chapter four with the desire to animate life into an inanimate object. He has done so within chapter five, “I collected the instruments of life around me, that I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet.” (pg. 35). It was after this incident that the Frankenstein is stricken with the realization of the ugly monster he has created. It also shows the shallow opinion that Frankenstein has of outer appearances. The lack of responsibility he takes for the monster also shows the amount of maturity Frankenstein has, “The porter opened the gates of the court, which had that night been my asylum, and I issued into the streets, pacing them with quick steps, as if I sought to avoid the wretch whom I feared every turning of the street would present to my view.” (pg. 36).

Clerval on the other hand, finding his friend in a time of distress shows the maturity to take responsibility for Frankenstein, by nursing him back to a sane state of mind. He not only forgoes his education for the sake of Frankenstein, but also writes back to Frankenstein’s family to ease their minds. It is his selflessness and the maturity he shows in the time of distress that portrays Clerval as a better being than Frankenstein.

While Frankenstein and Clerval reacted differently, it affected the way that the audience would portray the characters. Frankenstein is seen as weak and the Clerval seen as the strong. It gives the audience a reason to hate Frankenstein and love Clerval, which makes his death in the end seem more traumatic.

These two chapters reveal that Victor and Henry are not necessarily opposites. Rather, Henry is the potter and Victor is the clay. On page 38 Victor said, “I was not the witness of his grief; for I was lifeless, and did not recover my senses for a long, long time.” This was when Victor fell ill and weak from years of sleep deprivation and malnutrition. While he was ill “Henry was [his] only nurse.” Henry spent months nursing Victor back to health. However, Victor fell victim to episodes of terror when he thought of the monster he had created. Henry was there to calm Victor of his terror. When Henry saw that Victor suffered from nervous symptoms of the sight of his instruments of chemistry, Henry “removed all[his] apparatus from[his] view” p43. Now that the thought of natural philosophy thoroughly disgusted Victor, he took it upon himself to study Oriental languages like his friend Henry. Victor said of the studies, “their melancholy is soothing, and their joy elevating, to a degree I never experienced in studying the authors of any other country. When you read their writings, life appears to consist in a warm sun and a garden of roses, in the smiles and frowns of a fair enemy, and the fire that consumes your own heart” p44. These studies had worked to restore Victor’s spirits. It was the influence of Henry. To Victor, Henry “had always been [his] favorite companion in the rambles of this nature that had taken among the scenes of my native country” p. 45. This revelation that Henry’s influence has molded and revived Victor has many implications of the interpretation of the work, Frankenstein. Personally, even though Victor is strong and healthy again, I think that Henry could use his influence to manipulate Victor. Henry could possibly turn out to be the male tyrant that is one of the gothic devices that identifies it as a romantic piece of literature.

Mary Shelley portrays Victor and Henry as individuals concerned for others. However, the depth in which Victor and Henry’s feelings for people is different. When Victor encounters Henry, he is enlightened and states “it gives me the greatest delight to see you; but tell me how you left my father, brothers, and Elizabeth.” Although Victor disregards interactions among his family located in Geneva, he still cares and is concern about his family’s well-being and announces his worry for his kin when Henry arrives. Yet, Victor does not have self-motivation to check on his family (although he is concern for them). Henry request that since he “restored life to Victor,” that Victor writes a letter to his father and cousin. Nevertheless, “instead of studying, as Henry promised himself, he has been consumed in Victor’s sick room.” Henry selfless cured Victor of his nervous fever and health Victor to be able “of observing outward objects with any kind of pleasure.” *from Jasmine Boothe

Henry and Victor are depicted as passionate and experimental men. In chapter two, Shelley informs the reader that “Henry Clerval was a boy of singular talent and fancy. He loved enterprise, hardship, and even danger for its own sake. He composed heroic songs, and began to write many a tale of enchantment and knightly adventure. He tried to make us act plays and to enter into masquerades, in which characters were drawn from the heroes…” The previous quote shows the interest Henry partakes in notions that he is passionate about and it displays his desire to further engage himself to enhance, not only his, but others’ way of perceiving a particular topic. Victor also possesses the same characteristics; Victor did not correspond with his family members and “he seemed to have lost all soul or sensation but for” his project. Victor’s extreme actions enhance his demonstrated passion toward experimenting with “his pursuit.” * Jasmine Boothe

Henry and Victor are quite different from one another. Henry demonstrates a clear awareness of others that Victor lacks. In chapter five, Victor takes on the role of the irresponsible and apathetic creator. He creates the monster, but he immediately tried to disassociate himself from it saying, "breathless horror and disgust filled my heart" (pg 35). Henry, on the other hand, is quite aware of others and is rather sympathetic. He takes it upon himself to assist Victor and to help nurse him back to health. Victor creates but lacks the character to care for his creation, and Henry cares for Victor selflessly and for no reason but the sake of their friendship. It becomes evident as the chapters progress that being the caretaker rather than the creator is the superior role and yields a far superior outcome.

In these chapters, the reader watches Frankenstein progress from an enthusiastic scholar to a fearful and paranoid creator. Originally, Victor Frankenstein attacked his science project with glee and reckless abandon, but as soon as he sees the monster he has created, feels much differently. Almost instantaneously he experiences the transformation, and he flees from the scene claiming that he is, "Unable to endure the aspect of the being [he] had created" (pg 35). Meanwhile, Henry is akin to the pre-monster version of Frankenstein. He is curious, intelligent, and ambitious. He pursues his studies and the nursing of Victor with a zeal that is lacking in Victor for the rest of the novel. The differences between the two men serve to demonstrate the effects of attempting to play God and the psychological impact it can have.

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