Question

Which sentence in this excerpt from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein shows that Henry Clerval is an optimistic character, even though his father prevents him from following his dreams?

The day of my departure at length arrived. Clerval spent the last evening with us. (He had endeavoured to persuade his father to permit him to accompany me and to become my fellow student, but in vain.) His father was a narrow-minded trader and saw idleness and ruin in the aspirations and ambition of his son. (Henry deeply felt the misfortune of being debarred from a liberal education.) (He said little, but when he spoke I read in his kindling eye and in his animated glance a restrained but firm resolve not to be chained to the miserable details of commerce.)
We sat late .( We could not tear ourselves away from each other nor persuade ourselves to say the word "Farewell!") It was said, and we retired under the pretence of seeking repose, each fancying that the other was deceived; but when at morning's dawn I descended to the carriage which was to convey me away, they were all there—my father again to bless me, Clerval to press my hand once more, my Elizabeth to renew her entreaties that I would write often and to bestow the last feminine attentions on her playmate and friend.
ALL OF THE PHRASE IN PARENTHESES ARE ANSWERS!

Answer 1

( He said little, but when he spoke I read in his kindling eye and in his animated glance a restrained but firm resolve not to be chained to the miserable details of commerce. )

Step-by-step explanation:

He's literally describing the character, and showing the readers how he's not giving up easily.