Walton's Ambition In Frankenstein

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In the novel Frankenstein, the character of Robert Walton thoroughly displays the theme of the destructive nature of ambition and knowledge. Shelley’s novel commences with four letters that Walton sends to his sister each giving the reader a synopsis of the character’s ambitious nature. The reader initially grasps that the character of Walton is self-taught as he reveals “my education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading as these volumes were my studies day and night.” (Letter 1) From his readings, Walton gained an abundance of knowledge and had imaginations and visions to embark in a life of exploration. In the opening letter to his sister Margaret, Robert Walton explains the necessity he feels regarding his exploration to be the first man to reach the North Pole. A dream of his since he was a …show more content…
They are both explorers in their own field, and as Victor the more experienced quickly grasps Walton’s visions and the devotion he has to explore areas unexplored to mankind and states, “unhappy man, do you share my madness. Have you also drunk from the intoxicating draught. Here let me tell you my tale, and you will dash the cups from our lips.” (pg. 15) Through Victor’s life story, it is not only the main plot of Shelley's novel but is instead the change of Walton's destiny. Victor states “learn from me if not by my precepts, at least from my examples how the danger is the acquirement of knowledge.” (pg. 36) From listening to his tale, Walton decides to abort his dangerous pursuit to the poles. In taking Victor's advice, not only his life is saved but the lives of his many crewmates as he decided to change his course and return home to England. Through the characters of Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton, each of their destinies was changed through the acquisition of knowledge as Victor passed away, Robert was saved through Victor’s advice. The Creature, a creation by Victor thoroughly shows the downfall in knowledge and the corruptness in
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