Robert Walton
Walton writes letters to his sister, Margaret Saville, which form a frame around the main narrative of Frankenstein's tragic experience. As an Arctic seafarer, Walton desires to find a new route to the North Pole. On his journey to the North Pole, Walton's ship is stuck between two sheets of ice; waiting for the ice to melt, he and his ship crew discover Victor, frail and gaunt from his long chase after the monster. Victor relates his story to Walton and dies, leading to Walton's lamentation over the death of a man with whom he felt a strong, meaningful bond beginning to form.
Although Walton functions as the channel through which the reader hears the story of Victor and his monster, he also plays a role that parallels Victor’s in many ways. Corresponding to Victor, Walton is an explorer, chasing after the “country of eternal light” — the unknown knowledge. Victor’s influence on Walton seems paradoxical; at one moment Victor encourages Walton’s men to stay with the path courageously, regardless of the danger, yet on the contrary, he serves as an abject example of the dangers of reckless scientific aspiration. Walton's ultimate decision to terminate his treacherous pursuit serves as a foil to Victor, portraying Walton's not as obsessive or courageous side to risk death or to allow his passion to push him.
Although Walton functions as the channel through which the reader hears the story of Victor and his monster, he also plays a role that parallels Victor’s in many ways. Corresponding to Victor, Walton is an explorer, chasing after the “country of eternal light” — the unknown knowledge. Victor’s influence on Walton seems paradoxical; at one moment Victor encourages Walton’s men to stay with the path courageously, regardless of the danger, yet on the contrary, he serves as an abject example of the dangers of reckless scientific aspiration. Walton's ultimate decision to terminate his treacherous pursuit serves as a foil to Victor, portraying Walton's not as obsessive or courageous side to risk death or to allow his passion to push him.
Robert reminds me a lot of my creator
searching for unknown knowledge, but
he made the right choice to terminate his
search for the "country of eternal light."
searching for unknown knowledge, but
he made the right choice to terminate his
search for the "country of eternal light."