"Clerval the Caretaker"
I decided to make "Clerval the Caretaker." He is a loyal and faithful friend to Victor, and is always ready to support him in his worst moments. Since Clerval is an ever-ready caretaker for Victor, I have depicted him as a concerned, nurse-like figure. Covering his right hand is a yellow glove, symbolic of the type of sanitary attire a nurse might wear. On his other hand rests a snake, the animal figure associated with medicine. The cross around his neck is representative of the selfless love that Clerval gives to Victor, and the sacrifices he makes to ensure his friend's well-being. The sword across Clerval's back emphasizes his readiness to to defend and take care of Victor. Finally, the leaves in the background show the sense of peace that accompanies Clerval; Victor regards him as a comforting aspect of his life, as calming as the Spring-like leaves that surround him.
End of Frankenstein:
At the end of the novel, Victor is adamant that Walton should not increase his own miseries by following the path the Victor took. And at the same time, Victor is contradictory in that he tries to persuade the men into heroic sacrifice. He is able to recognize his own past mistakes, but he does not seem able to fully understand his mistakes to the point that he does not repeat them; he even encourages others to sacrifice their lives and loved ones just as he did.
Is this full blown heroism? Perhaps Victor is a hero; and that the desires that motivate heroism are NOT heroic. Maybe the secret behind heroism is that it is a way to escape intimacy and vulnerability with those whom you love.
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