Frankenstein And Spectacle Of Masculinity Analysis

Victor arrives aboard the ship in the fourth letter. Readers might notice that Walton does not sign this letter and none of the letters are ever signed again. This could initially lead readers to think that he is not as self-absorbed as he had been because his focus has turned to a friend; however it seems more like his obsession with himself and with self-gratification has not given way to empathy and emotions of a healthy caliber, but instead has become an obsession with Victor. In her essay “Mary Shelley, Frankenstein, and the Spectacle of Masculinity” by University of Rochester professor Bette London writes:

While the absence of signature leaves the reception of Walton’s “tale of horrors” uncertain, his testimonial seals Frankenstein’s narrative exchange. The bloodcurdling secret withheld from Elizabeth … finds its destination in Walton’s frame; the “tale of misery and terror” Frankenstein promises to confide to Elizabeth … passes instead to Walton’s pen in an act that stands as the thrilling consummation of confidential vows between men.” (263)

Yet, the friend he meets is Victor Frankenstein. Shelley does leave some evidence that Victor might be a good match for Walton, such as the aforementioned example of the lack of signature in the remaining letters, but the evidence that points toward the idea that Walton has switched one unhealthy behavior for another is surmounting. These ideas are supported by London as well when she describes his lack of signature as the act of “relinquishing the reciprocity of letter writing for the journal’s narcissistic investments”