Robert Walton
Extended Character Analysis
Robert Walton is the narrator of the novel’s frame story and his letters to his sister Margaret convey Victor’s story to readers. His ship rescues Victor during an expedition in the arctic and Victor and Walton become friends. Victor tells Walton his life story and cautions the younger man against pursuing forbidden knowledge. At the start of the novel, Walton is a young, self-educated man who hopes to uncover new knowledge and make an impact on the world by exploring the arctic. However, after his encounter with Victor, he reluctantly turns back towards England at the behest of his crew, unfulfilled but ultimately wiser.
In his letters to his sister, Walton comes across much like a young Victor. He hopes to uncover new knowledge by exploring the arctic, and he hopes to obtain mastery over nature, just as Victor once sought to obtain mastery over death. However, he also shares several qualities with the creature—specifically his loneliness and his being self-educated. Walton represents a balance between the creature’s anguished loneliness and Victor’s unchecked arrogance. Like Victor, he seems to come from a loving family that encourages his fanciful ambitions. However, like the creature, he is aware of his own inadequacies and lacks a friend with whom he can share his innermost thoughts and feelings; however, Walton possesses a belief in his intellectual superiority and claims he can’t find companionship with his crew members. To Walton, Victor is a welcome intellectual equal, and he admires Victor, expressing a desire for his friendship. Walton also shows a willingness to listen to the creature’s story, speaking to his understanding of another lonely soul. Walton is the perfect person to hear both Victor’s story and the creature’s story since he is able to empathize with both.
Walton also displays a degree of sensitivity that neither the creature nor Victor possess. In their mutual isolation, both Victor and the creature disregarded the feelings and opinions of others in pursuit of their selfish goals. By contrast, Walton, however reluctantly, listens to his crew and turns back to England instead of pursuing the creature and his own ambitions to journey further into the arctic. More so than either Victor or the creature, Walton is a compassionate and thoughtful person who sets aside his own selfish impulses for the good of his crew.
Both Victor and the creature recount their stories to Walton in a sort of confession prior to death. For Victor, Walton represents the chance to end the secrecy that has ruined his life. Though he falls short of true redemption, Victor can at least die knowing that one living soul might benefit from his mistakes. For the creature, Walton represents his final opportunity to forge a human connection. Though their acquaintance falls short of the friendship that Walton shared with Victor, the creature can now die knowing that someone is left behind to remember the injustices of his life.
Expert Q&A
In Frankenstein, what are Robert Walton's feelings towards his guest?
Robert Walton feels a deep sense of brotherly love and admiration for his guest, Victor Frankenstein. Initially astonished and sympathetic towards the wretched state of the half-frozen man, Walton quickly becomes fascinated and protective of him. As Victor recovers and shares his story, Walton's admiration and affection grow, ultimately influencing Walton's decision to prioritize his crew's safety over his own scientific ambitions.
In Frankenstein, what does Robert Walton dream about?
Robert Walton dreams of gaining fame and glory by exploring the Arctic and making groundbreaking discoveries. His aspirations include uncovering the secrets of magnetism, charting new routes, and making celestial observations. Walton's dreams also extend to finding a like-minded companion who shares his passion for adventure, even at great risk. Mary Shelley uses Walton's ambitions to foreshadow Victor Frankenstein's similar quest for glory and the disastrous consequences that follow.
How does Robert Walton's presence in Frankenstein affect the text's treatment of science?
Robert Walton's presence in the narrative contrasts with Victor's uncompromising pursuit of scientific glory. While both men are driven by scientific ambition, Walton ultimately prioritizes the safety of his crew over his quest, highlighting a more humanistic approach to science. As the narrator, Walton provides a sympathetic perspective on Victor's story, portraying the creature with more empathy than Victor might have, thus affecting the text's treatment of science and morality.
The similarities between Robert Walton's and Victor Frankenstein's ambitions in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
Both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein exhibit ambitious desires for discovery and knowledge. Walton seeks to explore uncharted territories in the Arctic, while Frankenstein aims to unlock the secrets of life through scientific experimentation. Their quests for greatness demonstrate a shared drive to push beyond human limits, ultimately leading to perilous consequences.
The similarities and differences between Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein, the impact of Walton's narration on Victor's story, and the purpose of Walton narrating the tale in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein share traits like ambition and a thirst for knowledge, but differ in their ultimate fates and moral choices. Walton's narration frames Victor's story, adding layers of perspective and reliability. This narrative device allows readers to see Victor through Walton's eyes, emphasizing themes of ambition and the consequences of overreaching.
Reasons for Robert Walton's correspondence with his sister in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."
Robert Walton writes to his sister to document his Arctic expedition and share his experiences, thoughts, and feelings. These letters provide a narrative framework for the story and reveal Walton's ambitions, challenges, and encounters, including his meeting with Victor Frankenstein. The correspondence also serves to establish Walton's character and his deep bond with his sister.
Lessons and insights Robert Walton gained from Victor's story and death in Frankenstein
Robert Walton learns the dangers of obsessive ambition and the consequences of pushing beyond natural limits from Victor's story and death. He realizes the importance of human connections and the value of balancing one's aspirations with moral responsibility, ultimately deciding to turn back from his own perilous quest to protect his crew.
Robert Walton's unfulfilled desire in Frankenstein
Robert Walton's unfulfilled desire in Frankenstein is to achieve glory through exploration. Despite his ambitious pursuit of discovering new territories and making significant scientific contributions, he ultimately fails to reach the North Pole and has to turn back, leaving his dreams unrealized.
Robert Walton's background and self-revelations in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Robert Walton, an ambitious and adventurous explorer, reveals his longing for fame and discovery. He shares his background as a self-educated man driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to achieve greatness. Walton's letters to his sister Margaret highlight his isolation and yearning for a friend who shares his intellectual pursuits and aspirations.
Robert Walton's Sympathy and Character Traits in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Robert Walton in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is characterized by his ambition, adventurous spirit, and deep sense of empathy. His letters reveal a longing for companionship and understanding, reflecting his compassionate nature. Walton's sympathy toward Victor Frankenstein underscores his own humanity and desire to connect with others, highlighting the novel's themes of isolation and the quest for knowledge.
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