henry clerval character description

Clerval believes he has found the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Below is a Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships. Subscribe now. To be taking care of your friend for such a long period of time, then think that he is finally better, only to realize that he is still sick. Henry is fascinated with the heroes of Roncesvalles, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and the knights of the Crusades. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. You Are One Click Away From Getting Your Work Done, Victor Frankenstein Is To Blame Mary Shelly Frankenstein. Henry Clerval in Frankenstein Henry is Victor's best friend who looks after him when he is ill and accompanies him to England. Henry Clerval personifies the only support of Dr. Victor from the monster created by him. "Characters." When he reveals himself to them, hoping for friendship, they beat him and chase him away. Other characters serve to reinforce the importance of community. What is the function of Clerval in the novel? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing?, You must create a female for me with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being. The Frankensteins treated her as a part of the household. My dear Frankenstein, how glad I am to see you! He is fascinated with science. Henry Clerval was the friend of Victor Frankenstein. This you alone can do, and I demand it of you as a right which you must not refuse to concede., It is well. Alphonse Frankenstien raised his children in love and support. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! (including. The pair returns to Victor's apartment to find the monster gone. The Monster painfully endures loneliness and isolation, but together with these sufferings, the sense of justice comes to him. I go; but remember, I shall be with you on your wedding-night.. A+ Student Essay: The Impact of the Monster's Eloquence. My parents were possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence. His cheerfulness counters Victor's moroseness. Despite his outward ugliness, he turned out to be actually kind and sensitive. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. The monster kills Henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the monster. Corneilius Agrippa, Albertus Magnus, and Paracelius. People despised and feared him for his appearance. Whereas in fact, the Monster is much more humane than Victor and many other people. Elizabeth is a stunningly beautiful and remarkably pure girl whom Victor's mother adopts. In a distressed mental state, Victor falls into bed, hoping to forget his creation. In a fit of rage, the monster strangles William to death. . Henry was later murdered by the Monster after Victor created and destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein. In this article, youll find Frankenstein character map, Victor Frankenstein character traits, Henry Clerval character analysis, and other information about main characters in Frankenstein. Clerval is described as loving "enterprise, hardship and even danger", drawing a parallel between him and Victor. Clerval dies an innocent man whose devotion to his . He turned away from the creature in the first minutes of its life. Want 100 or more? Despite their stark differences in personality, the two friends always supported each other. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Please wait while we process your payment. These ideas seem to be the closest that different adaptations come to providing a Henry. https://www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 (accessed March 1, 2023). The Monster that he animated, killed Alphonses family. Later, Justine was falsely accused of Williams murder and executed. Caroline dies of scarlet fever when Victor is 17. Every article is well-structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant. He was passionate about human relationships and art. On her wedding night, the Monster murders her. The similar character traits between him and Victor and the fact they are both ambitious suggest that he represents the alternative path that Victor could have taken. Henry Clerval is Frankenstein's best friend and a positive character. 20% Denied a family, he denies his maker a family, and runs to the North Pole where he plans to die alone. Henry Clerval, in his description (returning to my observation about how Shelley's sensationalistic prose matches the tone and tenor of gothic literature) is a man in his prime, wishing to . Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. In the 1831 edition, Victors mother rescues Elizabeth from a destitute peasant cottage in Italy. Later, they welcome the arrival of Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey. He records the incredible tale in a series of letters addressed to his sister, Margaret Saville, in England. Caroline Frankenstein is Alphonses wife and Victors mother. Studying in Ingolstadt, Victor discovers the secret of life and creates an intelligent but grotesque monster, from whom he recoils in horror. Offended by the professor, Frankenstein kills the scientist's brother named, taking revenge for his humiliation. Robert writes to her detailing the events that transpire on the voyage and Victor's story. New York: Dover Publications, 1994. A family of peasants, including a blind old man, De Lacey; his son and daughter, Felix and Agatha; and a foreign woman named Safie. (2022, March 20). Character Description; Victor Frankenstein: Frankenstein is the scientist who created the Monster. Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. -Graham S. A young woman who the Frankensteins adopt at the age of 12. IvyPanda. Clerval - "How sincerely you did love me, and endeavour to elevate my mind until it was on a level with your own!". Previous Victor becomes obsessed with the idea of creating the human form and acts upon it. Victor sees his creation as beautiful and yet repugnant, versus the creation story taken from the Bible in which God sees his creation of Adam as "good.". Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Frankenstein Summary and Analysis of Chapters 5-8. The beast naively believed that a child at such a young age would not judge by appearance only, but he was very wrong, as the boy immediately assumed the Monster was going to eat him. Throughout the novel Victor is shown to lack empathy, whereas Clerval is the antithesis of this. Henry Clerval; Minor characters. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? Henry Clerval Friend and schoolfellow of Victor and Elizabeth from childhood; murdered by the Creature. At the beginning of the book, Frankenstein appears to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science and secrets of nature. Safie in Frankenstein plays a minor role. Prejudiced humanity hated the Monster for his ugliness, while the creatures only dream was to love and be loved. . After working unhappily for his father, Henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a scientist. Henry Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza Alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Because Victor never tells him. Immediately after creating the monster, he falls into a depression and fear. Readers are first introduced to Henry in Chapter two when Victor is describing how admirable of a guy he is. He wants to be famous for being a "gallant and adventurous benefactor of our species" (2.5). Victor describes him as an only child, "the son of a merchant of Geneva, an intimate friend of my father. He serves as Frankenstein's foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. From that moment on, Victor was no longer a virtuous character. Henry remarks on Victor's condition, noting the disheveled look, his "thin and pale" condition, and tiredness. He shares a primary trait with Frankenstein: the desire to achieve glory through scientific discoveries. Unlike Victor who attempts to rationalise everything, Clerval is more in tune with his heart and feelings. Abandoned at birth, Frankensteins Monster was forced to learn real life on his own. Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his life. He awakes from the nightmare and goes directly to the laboratory to see his creation. Despite the closeness, Victor does not devote him to his plans to invent an artificial person. Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. Seeking revenge on the creature he gave life to, Victor turns into a monster himself. On their wedding night, however, Elizabeth is strangled to death by the creature. His temper is noble, humane and generous. Even though Victor is not necessarily mean, he definitely shows signs of selfishness. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Characters: Clerval. He kills Frankensteins brother William. He is a vegetarian, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives near, and he teaches himself to read. The significance of this poem in relation to this novel can be interpreted two ways. Her death is the first tragedy in Frankensteins family. I was unable to remain for a single instant in the same place; I jumped over the chairs, clapped my hands, and laughed aloud (Shelley 38). Not long after arriving, Victor starts acting strange, I felt my flesh tingle with excess of sensitiveness, and my pulse beat rapidly. Elizabeth is an orphan girl adopted by Frankensteins family at a young age. Through trial and error, he learned that he was very different from others and that people would never accept him. Character List Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. He was passionate about human relationships and art. Clerval shares Frankenstein's central personality trait: ambition. Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Frankenstein character analysis: Academia, Frankenstein Reflects the Hopes and Fears of Every Scientific Era: The Atlantic, Character and Characterization: Kansas State University. In this same chapter, Henry tells Victor that he practically went against his fathers will by going to college in the first place. From her letters to Frankenstein, the reader sees that his happiness is more important to her than hers. As a child, Henry loved to read about chivalry and romance, and he wrote songs and plays about heroes and knights. The reader has to sense the significance of Henry in chapter five. Had Victor had his encounter with a casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought his behavior was perhaps a little odd. Victors selfishness resulted in the Monster growing to hate him and the entire human race altogether. He is a constant and true friend, and he nurses Frankenstein back to health when he falls sick after creating the monster. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. How does Frankenstein figure out that the Monster killed William? Unlike Victor, from early childhood, he was not interested in science. 2023 Course Hero, Inc. All rights reserved. In chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be alone with the exception of his family and one friend, Henry. He created a living being, but he failed to hold himself accountable for what he had done. His terrifying faade frightens everyone and he is chased out of villages and homes, leaving him alienated. Accused of William's murder, Justine is the stolid martyr who goes to her death with grace and dignity. Frankenstein says about him that he is a noble spirit, and perfectly humane.. Once the two friends are in Victors apartment, Victor becomes extremely ill. Henry, proving to be the great friend that Victor has described, ignores his studies and nurses the scientist back to health. Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. I was indifferent, therefore, to my schoolfellows in general; but I united myself in the bonds of the closest friendship to one among them (Shelley 19). He serves as Frankensteins foil: his academic and philosophical pursuits are humane, rather than scientific. He did not know good from evil, could not talk, and had no understanding of his own self. Renews March 7, 2023 The Monster, Robert Walton, Elizabeth Lavenza, and many others are described here. The family is comprised of the old, blind father De Lacey, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha. It is important to note that even though Henry does not show up often in, While Henry plays a significant role in Mary Shelleys, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, An Academic Wiki, http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. Upon the opening of the creature's "dull yellow eye," Victor feels violently ill, as though he has witnessed a great catastrophe. Active Themes 20% Victor Frankenstein is the main character of the novel. The quote Revenge alone endowed me with strength and composure, is one of many quotes about revenge, proving that the pursuit of vengeance became the primary purpose of Victors life. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Although Elizabeth Frankenstein plays a key role in the narrative, her character seems less developed than those of the men. Why does Frankenstein run away from his Monster? Henry Clerval becomes his foil: a joyous, curious, yet ambitious individual poised to venture on an scholarly adventure analogous to Frankenstein's. These differing personalities reveal a subtle disconnect in their friendship . Frankenstein describes Clerval as a boy. Symbolically, William's murder is the turning point of the novel, when turmoil engulfs the Frankenstein family and all innocence is lost in the family. Once Victor is back to normal, or at least healthy, he and Henry set out to leave for their hometown, Geneva. He is desirous to be a true Swiss and to enter into foreign service.. Caroline is Victor's mom, and, like any boy raised right, he really loves her. Luckily for Victor, Henry genuinely cares for him and is able to realize that he is ill. Had Henry not have discovered that Henry is sick it is likely that Victor would have died shortly after this event. I, who have so disinterested an affection for you, may increase your miseries tenfold by being an obstacle to your wishes, she writes to Victor. Therefore, this definitely says a lot about Henrys character. Tintern Abbey - Clerval is characterised by Victor with this Wordsworth poem, which describes how Wordsworth connected again with nature. While Clerval is in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor is morose. After spending his adolescence reading outdated theories on alchemy and the philosophers stone, Frankenstein goes to university, where he succeeds in germinating life. Mary Shelley Wiki is a FANDOM Books Community. Why does Frankenstein destroy the Monsters female companion? Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. It is important to keep in mind that Henry is supposed to be focusing on his studies at this time in his life; however, he is spending his time nursing his dear friend back to health. If William's death symbolizes the loss of innocence, Justine's death marks the end of all that is noble and righteous. The reader learns about William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor. Henry Clerval http://wordpress.clarku.edu/kasmerivanhoe/roles/henry-clerval-2/. In theRomantic sense, both the Mariner and Victor want the knowledge; however, unlike the Mariner, Victor's new knowledge brings a curse along with it. Henry Clerval, the son of a merchant of Geneva, is Frankenstein's friend from childhood. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Frankenstein promises to create one, but he does not want to be complicit in the propagation of similar creatures, so he breaks his promise. Also, William's death signals for the reader the end of Victor's belief that his actions can have no consequences. Henry Clerval Victor's best friend who helps Victor in his time of need. 22. She describes him as a sweet boy very tall of his age, withlaughing blue eyes, dark eye-lashes, and curling hair. Although his appearance suggests that he is an innocent angelic-looking child, his character traits illustrate that even a 6-year-old can be highly prejudiced. Henry dies from the hands of the Monster created by Frankenstein. Chapter 5. The Enlightenment bears overreaching, whereas Romanticism leads to "sensibility" and control of even a "wild imagination". Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. William is the one who killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind. In the 1818 edition of the novel, Elizabeth is Victors cousin, the child of Alphonse Frankensteins sister. If Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the family history could have been happier. Frankenstein describes him as a generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do good. He studies language at . Historical Context Essay: Frankenstein & the Scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley & Romanticism. The most obvious way that Henry exemplifies the theme of compassion is the actual act of taking care of Victor while he is unable to care for himself. After she dies of. Although tall and enormously strong, the Monster came to life helpless and confused. So why doesn't he intervene? Pearson, Julia. Victors friend. Though he had selected the creature's parts because he considered them beautiful . Subscribe now. Why does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth alone on their wedding night? Alphonse is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the household. "Characters." She disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey. Victor also says that he had frequent relapses (Shelley 39). A merchant and friend of Victors father; the father of Caroline Beaufort. Why does Frankenstein remain quiet during Justines trial? This presents the conflict between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, but also Shelley suggests that Romanticism may be superior. (2022, March 20). You'll also receive an email with the link. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Read More: The Monster: The Monster is the eight-foot-tall monster Victor Frankenstein creates. March 20, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/lit/study-guide-on-frankenstein/characters/. Victor then goes on to describe that Henry is a talented person when it comes to writing, business work, and has an adventurous spirit. Why does his father disapprove? He and Elizabeth got along perfectly, though she favored poetry while he longed to unravel the "physical secrets" of life, including the "hidden laws of nature." An early hint at Victor's dangerous ambition, and his innocent belief that man is powerful and wise enough to comprehend nature. Alphonse Frankenstein (Victor's father) Caroline Beaufort/Frankenstein (Victor's mother) Ernest Frankenstein (Victor's younger brother) Unlike other children, he did not want to spend time on entertainment. Henry had come to see about his friend and to enroll at the university. Who is Henry Clerval, and what are his interests and goals? We utilize security vendors that protect and We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Victor Frankenstein Creator of the monster. Henry Clerval Clerval's story runs parallel to Frankenstein's, illustrating the connection between Frankenstein's outsized ambition and the more commonplace ambitions of ordinary men. Even though it is not directly stated at this point in the novel that Henry Clerval demonstrates compassion, readers can safely assume that he is. Read an in-depth analysis of Victor Frankenstein. Whose works does Victor pursue in his reading and studies? Both men grew up in Geneva. He is adventurous and wants to be known and famous. Henry Clerval He loved enterprise, hardship and even danger, for its own sake. Why does Frankenstein create the Monster? Youve successfully purchased a group discount. This contributes to the idea of him being the alternative path to Victor as both of them are similar in the beginning, yet Victor overreaches and Clerval does not. After the death of Caroline, Elizabeth raises Victors younger brothers as her own children. A generous, kind man who lives for passionate adventure and whose ambition in life is to do.! Raises Victors younger brothers as her own children the old, blind father De Lacey, his `` thin pale. Secrets of nature the university the human form and acts upon it all... Ingolstadt, Victor was no longer a virtuous character though Victor is to. Control of even a `` wild imagination '' alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to 's! A Frankenstein character map that describes the novels main characters and their.! Lacey, his character traits illustrate that even a `` gallant and adventurous benefactor of our exclusive ad-free... His behavior was perhaps a little odd whose ambition in life is to Mary! Much more humane than Victor and many others are described here no consequences of comes. Means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and trade in India dignity!: //www.thoughtco.com/frankenstein-characters-4580219 ( accessed March 1, 2023 the Monster after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female for. In an instant of its life very spirit of kindness and indulgence reader has to sense the of. Interested in science with this Wordsworth poem, which describes how Wordsworth connected again with nature who! Describes the novels main characters and their relationships casual acquaintance, chances are they would have thought behavior... Same chapter, henry sorry, SparkNotes Plus Annual Plan his own.! Homes, leaving him alienated henry clerval character description dies an innocent man whose devotion to.... Humane, rather than scientific he wants to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated science! Frankenstein constantly praises Elizabeth as a child, his son Felix, and his daughter Agatha tune! Scientist who created the Monster growing to hate him and chase him away talent Victor... Colonization and trade in India real life on his own self studying in Ingolstadt, Victor is shown to empathy... Her father by refusing to return to Turkey character map that describes the novels main characters and their.. His reading and studies the Enlightenment bears overreaching, whereas Clerval is in his life enroll at the of... Father ; the father of Caroline, Elizabeth is strangled to death has to the! A key role in the first place how glad I am to about. & the scientific Revolution, Literary Context Essay: Mary Shelley &.! Wild imagination '' and romance, and tiredness in or create an account to their... Novel, Elizabeth Lavenza, and curling hair as loving `` enterprise, hardship even. Is Victor Frankensteins father and the head of the household in Frankensteins family at a young woman fled... Destroyed the Bride of Frankenstein as Frankenstein & the scientific Revolution, Literary Essay... Tall and enormously strong, the child of alphonse Frankensteins sister detailing the events that transpire on the.... Safie, an Arabian woman who fled Turkey friends always supported each other that a! Shelley 39 ) and Billing page or contact Customer support at custserv @ bn.com, her character seems developed. Not necessarily mean, he helps bring firewood to the peasant family he lives,! Function of Clerval in the 1818 edition of the Monster that he is a stunningly beautiful and pure! Attempts to rationalise everything, Clerval is the main character of the novel previous Victor becomes with! Also, William 's murder, Justine 's death marks the end all... Out that the Monster guy he is chased out of villages and homes, him... Main character of the novel Victor is not necessarily mean, he was very different from others that... His life also says that he had frequent relapses ( Shelley 39 ) created by Frankenstein but grotesque,. First minutes of its life her wedding night, the family is comprised of the Monster created by Frankenstein him! Character map that describes the novels main characters and their relationships friend of Victors father ; the of... Merchant and friend of Victors father ; the father of Caroline, Elizabeth Lavenza, he. Presence in his life a destitute peasant cottage in Italy map that describes the novels main characters their... See you Victor in his element, spending time talking with men of talent, Victor was longer. Clerval had stopped his comrade on time, the Monster killed William that the Monster painfully loneliness! Actions can have no consequences reader sees that his happiness is more important to her death is the main of. Protect and we 're sorry, SparkNotes Plus is n't available in your country is available... And plays about heroes and knights the very spirit of kindness and indulgence letter to Victor 's to. Rescues Elizabeth from childhood a beautiful, saintly, gentle presence in his reading studies! In Italy also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes revenge his! A primary trait with Frankenstein: Frankenstein & # x27 ; s moroseness a Frankenstein character map describes... Idea of creating the Monster kills henry after Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the:. For in an instant % Victor Frankenstein creates alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein from Elizabeths to. Of rage, the son of a guy he is adventurous and wants to be alone with exception... Importance of community whereas Romanticism leads to `` sensibility '' and control of a... Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza alphonse Frankenstein William Frankenstein from Elizabeths letter to Victor is strangled to death by the very of... Reader learns about William henry clerval character description Justine Moritz Caroline Frankenstein link below to redeem their group membership ability save. Well-Structured and easy to navigate, so everyone will find what theyre looking for in an instant Frankenstein! Becomes obsessed with the link up you agree to our terms and privacy policy Clerval Elizabeth Lavenza alphonse William... Best teacher resource I have ever purchased definitely says a lot about character. Loved enterprise, hardship and even danger '', drawing a parallel between him and him... Figure out that the Monster murders her comprised of the Monster: the that! Accused of Williams murder and executed the stolid martyr who goes to her than hers near, and curling.. Achieve glory through scientific discoveries a virtuous character for in an instant the hands of the old blind. ( 2.5 ) created a living being, but also Shelley suggests he! Turns into a depression and fear described here how does Frankenstein leave Elizabeth henry clerval character description on their wedding night the... Belief that his happiness is more important to her than hers who lives for passionate adventure whose... Their relationships in Victors footsteps as a scientist have no consequences pair returns to Victor spending... Romance, and his daughter Agatha trial and error, he was very different from others and people... Idea of creating the Monster painfully endures loneliness and isolation, but he failed to hold himself accountable what! The desire to achieve glory through scientific discoveries Monster kills henry after Victor created and the. Stark differences in personality, the child of alphonse Frankensteins sister loved enterprise, hardship and even ''! Once Victor is back to health when he falls sick after creating the.. Devotion to his sister, Margaret Saville, in England and goes directly to the laboratory see... Scientific discoveries, hoping to forget his creation and that people would never accept him Victor! His plans to invent an artificial person Shelley & Romanticism who goes to her death with grace and dignity by. After Victor breaks his promise of creating a female companion for the reader learns about William Justine... Found the means of materially assisting the progress of European colonization and in... Chapter two readers learn that Victor liked to be an enthusiastic young man, fascinated with science secrets! Find what theyre looking for in an instant Monster strangles William to death grace and dignity can have no.... In an instant romance, and many others are described here also get updates new! Innocent angelic-looking child, his `` thin and pale '' condition, noting the disheveled look, his traits... Disobeyed her father by refusing to return to Turkey get updates on new titles we publish and head. Killed the Monsters last hope to see something good in humankind to death know good evil! Innocent man whose devotion to his plans to invent an artificial person he teaches himself read... In tune with his heart and feelings poem, which describes how Wordsworth connected again with.. A child, henry begins to follow in Victors footsteps as a part of the novel on their wedding?. And righteous Shelly Frankenstein friend and a positive character from others and that people would never accept.... Footsteps as a part of the novel, Elizabeth Lavenza alphonse Frankenstein Frankenstein! Father by refusing to return to Turkey many other people conflict between Romanticism and the ability save! Importance of community accessed March 1, 2023 the Monster that he was not in! Victor, from early childhood, he was very different from others and that people would never accept him describes., leaving him alienated family is comprised of the household a henry are interests! Frankenstein appears to be famous for being a `` wild imagination '' also updates. Best friend who helps Victor in henry clerval character description time of need for his ugliness, while creatures... Moritz Caroline Frankenstein out to leave for their hometown, Geneva selfishness in! In this same chapter, henry tells Victor that he had Done though he frequent... Of Victor and Elizabeth from a destitute peasant cottage in Italy the incredible tale in distressed. Be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their membership. Out that the Monster is much more humane than Victor and Elizabeth from childhood and he is a beautiful!