wild and enthusiastic imagination
This encomium to Henry Clerval touches virtually all the thematic stops
invoked by the novel in its representation of an ideal character, with
terms already enveloped with multiple associations.
Although any single one in excess might reveal a flaw productive of personal
and social difficulties, in Clerval they reside in a perfect dynamic and
dialectical balance. Where earlier critics associate Clerval with Percy Bysshe Shelley, this passage
would be taken as a loving tribute to him.
- Characters:
- Critical Approaches:
- Themes:
