A Letter to Frankenstein (Diary Entry)

I chose to write a letter to Victor in the form of a diary entry because while I was reading the novel, I couldn’t help but think that Henry and Victor’s relationship was a bit more than just platonic friendship. The way Frankenstein talks about Henry and the way that Henry cares so deeply for Victor in so many ways tends to make me think that at least one of the two had greater feelings for the other. One example of this is towards the beginning of the novel when Victor says, “we were never completely happy when Clerval was absent” (Shelley 21) in reference to their childhood. This quote shows us that Frankenstein depended on Clerval for his happiness and that Clerval was a key figure in Victor’s life. Also, the overexcitement Henry and Victor experience when meeting each other at Ingolstadt shows the importance each has to the other. Clerval says: “’My dear Frankenstein,’” implying possession and a great adoration, and Victor “grasp[s] his [Clerval’s] hand” (39), implying a high level of intimacy. Later when Henry’s nursing Victor back to health and taking the Europe trip with him, which can definitely be seen as Henry’s way to watch over Victor, we see even more of a possibility of greater feelings going on. I chose to explore these feelings through my letter.

I start off my letter to from Clerval to Frankenstein with “My dearest Victor” because throughout the novel Frankenstein and Henry refer to each other in similar ways using “my dear Henry,” (42) “my dear Frankenstein,” (39) and “dearest Clerval” (41). The letter takes place during the time in which Clerval and Frankenstein have temporarily parted ways while in Europe, which is why Henry speaks of missing Victor. I compare how much he misses Victor to things in nature, because Victor stresses Henry’s love of nature at various points throughout the novel and it seems as though Henry would automatically think to compare things in the way of nature. In the letter I also have Henry bring up all their childhood memories, which they would have because “he was constantly with” (21) Frankenstein as they were growing up. I have Henry say that he wouldn’t trade the memories for all the fame and glory because Henry is more concerned with helping than with fame and glory, which is what Frankenstein is after.

In the second paragraph of the letter, I have Clerval speak about how he is attracted to Frankenstein’s determination. We see this determination in Frankenstein while he is engaged in making the monster and later when he is chasing the monster. It was an obvious characteristic of Victor and that is why I used it. Because Clerval seems constantly concerned about Frankenstein and his well-being I also added a bit about that. You can see his concern when he remarks that Frankenstein appears “so thin and pale” (40) and wants to know the cause of this. I used the quotes “Henry wished to dissuade me; but, seeing me bent on this plan, ceased to remonstrate”(127) and ‘“I had rather be with you’ he [Henry] said” (127) to back up the part of the letter where Clerval talks about Frankenstein’s leaving and his wishing he wouldn’t have. It shows Henry’s devotion to Victor and his longing to stay close to him.

In the last paragraph, I have Clerval mention Elizabeth, because obviously she would play a role in what he is saying, especially since at that point in the novel, Frankenstein and Elizabeth are soon to be married. It would only make sense for Clerval to acknowledge her. I end the letter with Henry reflecting that it has been worthwhile loving Frankenstein and that the memories are enough for him. I ended it this way to show Henry’s soft nature and how he truly did only want the best for Frankenstein.

Works Cited
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. New York: Pearson/Longman, 2007. Print.