Nia Smallwood Marcos Chavez Frankenstein Nia Smallwood Marcos Chavez

Prompt In a literary work, a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of the minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil to a main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work.

Literal Meaning of Prompt There are minor characters (called foils) in novels and plays that are used simply to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Write about how a foil, through their relation with the main character, explains the significance of the work.

How the prompt relates to the novel In Frankenstein, two characters come to mind when we think of minor characters who highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the Victor Frankenstein: Victor’s sister, Elizabeth, who is refined, reserved, and delicate Victor’s best-friend, Henry Clerval. Although he is the direct opposite of Frankenstein (only child, English-based) he is outgoing and balanced

Examples from text, with analysis, illustrating the prompt “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. I grasped his hand, and in a moment forgot my horror and misfortune; I felt suddenly, and for the first time during many months, calm and serene joy” (Shelley 37). Henry Clerval reminds Victor of his old life back home; a life he lived before the study of science and his creation took over his life. Their friendship is what revitalizes Victor and returns him to happiness.

Example #2 “Elizabeth was of a calmer and more concentrated disposition; but, with all my ardor, I was capable of a more intense application and was more deeply smitten with the thirst for knowledge” (Shelley 18). Elizabeth, in all of her beauty and innocence, represents the balance that Victor lacks; his “thirst for knowledge” later became an obsession that took over his life.

Thesis In Frankenstein, the minor characters, Elizabeth and Henry Clerval, carefully demonstrate throughout the novel, because of their relationship with Victor Frankenstein, the shortcomings of Victor as a character, including his lack of balance, inability to control his obsession with his creation, and his faulty health and questionable way of life

Significant moment #1 - MC “During all that time Henry was my only nurse... 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 them” (Shelley 38).

Significance of #1 - MC This event demonstrates Henry’s compassion, loyalty, and moral strength. This also demonstrates Victor’s inability of controlling his obsession with his creation, which in turn takes a toll on his physical and mental physique.

Significant Moment #2 “Justine shook her head mournfully. ‘I do not fear to die… the pang is past. God raises my weakness, and gives me courage to endure the worst. I leave a sad and bitter world…think of me as one unjustly condemned’… During this conversation I [Victor] had retired to the corner of the prison room, where I could conceal the horrid anguish that possessed me.” (Shelley 59)

Significance #2 In this moment, Justine is the perfect foil for Victor. She is righteous and she does what she has to do, even though the consequences for her are detrimental. Victor does not have the courage to tell anyone that he has created his creature, and instead allows Justine, an innocent bystander, to die as a result of a situation that she had nothing to do with.

Literary Device #1 (Tone) “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 soul. 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, he invented tales of wonderful fancy and passion” (Shelley 45). Shelley utilizes a positive and buoyant tone with regards to Victor’s description of Henry’s friendships and attempts to revitalize Victor.

Literary Device #2 (Frame Story) “The sun is yet high in the heavens; before it descends to hide itself behind your snowy precipices and illuminate another world, you will have heard my story and can decide. On you it rests, whether I quit forever the neighborhood of man and lead a harmless life, or become the scourge of your fellow creatures and the author of your own speedy ruin” (Shelley 70). The Creature, in telling his story within Victor’s story (which is inside of Robert Walton’s letters to his sister) indicate the use of framework story. This adds to the fantasy that Mary Shelley has created and to lessen the reality of the tale.

Literary Device #3 (Personification) “The tortures of the accused did not equal mine; she was sustained by innocence, but the fangs of remorse tore my bosom and would not forego their hold.” (Shelley57) Personification of remorse is used in this passage as a display of Victor’s weakness and selfishness. Although Justine is the one who is about to be sentenced to death, all Victor can think of is his own suffering. He is unable to comprehend the fact that Justine is more than likely suffering at an equal level.

Works Cited http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_eng_lit_frq.pdf http://www.gutenberg.org/files/84/84-h/84-h.htm http://blogs.baylor.edu/britlit/2012/02/13/the-significance-of-the-frame-tale-in-shelleys-frankenstein/ http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/frankenstein