Sunday, February 21, 2010

How do Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein compare and contrast as men, scholars, and scientists?

When looking at Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein there is very little to no distinction between them besides their personal experiences. In terms of personality and goals they are quite similar; both are passionate about science, the pursuit of knowledge, and understanding the world. They both are dedicated to their research which isolates them from other people. In fact these two characters seem so similar one can easily make the assumption that the author Mary Shelley is comparing Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein’s actions in their lives and the effects of these differences. Their personalities and pursuits for knowledge are seemingly in sync but the choices they are making, the lives they are living, seem to be minutely different. For example a minute difference shared between the men is their pursuit of friendship. Both characters express that their pursuit for understanding often leaves them separated from other people however Robert Walton in the second letter to his sister states “I [Robert Walton] bitterly feel the want of a friend” (Shelley 4). However it is clear that he does not pursue it as he is too consumed with his research. In comparison, Mr. Frankenstein too is busy with feeding his thirst for knowledge but he states at a young age he did make a friend: “I [Victor Frankenstein] united myself in the bonds of the closest friendship to one among them” (19). Now clearly these are very small and seemingly non influential differences but looking closely to the text one also must realize that Victor Frankenstein’s “fate is nearly fulfilled” (13) while Robert Walton’s journey is just beginning. This means that Victor Frankenstein is in essence what Robert Walton could be in the future if he makes the same mistakes, the same choices, and lives the same life.

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