Frankenstein By Mary Shelley: Character Analysis

In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, geography separates the characters Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein, but many commonalities unite them. Divided by an immense amount of land, Frankenstein and Walton grew up having no knowledge of each other’s existence; however, despite living most of their lives separated, they developed similar personality traits and intellectual interests. When the two men meet, these similarities create a connection between. This connection causes the characters to feel sympathy for their respective struggles and achieve “the highest ideal of social interaction”(Bloom 126). The author connects Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton through their inclination to stay connected with their family, desire to

leave home, and aspiration to learn more about the natural sciences, and these connections cause the two characters to sympathize with each other’s struggles.
The strong ties that exist between Frankenstein and his family are also apparent in Walton’s relationship with his sister. Throughout Frankenstein’s research in Ingolstadt and his struggles with the monster , Frankenstein maintains contact with his family. Despite the length of Walton’s journey , he updates his sister on his location and condition frequently. Frankenstein waits patiently for the day he will finally marry Elizabeth, and her death leaves Frankenstein seeking only to “pursue and destroy the being to whom [he] gave existence”(S 187) and join his love in death. Walton has many adventures but longs for the day he will see his sister again. After Walton sees how Frankenstein let his quest for knowledge destroy his family, he realizes he cannot neglect his sister to appease his “senseless curiosity” (Shelley 185). Walton is also able to sympathize with Frankenstein’s loss because they both have a basic love for family. Frankenstein’s and Walton’s connection through strong familial relationships strengthens their, brief but powerful friendship.
Similarly, the two character’s common desire to travel beyond their birthplaces makes this friendship even more powerful.

Frankenstein leaves home to “apply to every branch of natural philosophy”(S 43). In like manner, Walton departs his hometown to “satiate [his] ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited”(S 13). Both of these characters felt that they needed to leave home to achieve their goals in life. Even though Walton and Frankenstein both had incentives to continue living where they were born, they elected to . spsleave and expand their knowledge of the world around them. This compulsion to explore the unknown would be both Frankenstein’s and Walton’s downfall. In Ingolstadt Frankenstein learned about the natural sciences, and used his knowledge to challenge nature itself. On his journey of exploration, Walton nearly kills himself and his entire crew. Influenced by Frankenstein, Walton decides to change course and save his ship instead of venturing further into danger. While the outcomes of their voyages are different, Frankenstein and Walton are both driven by a compulsion to endeavor beyond what they know. This similarity further solidifies the bond that these two characters

share.
Additionally, Frankenstein’s passion for the natural sciences is equivalent to Walton’s enthusiasm for exploration.

Frankenstein wants to not only learn about the natural sciences but to “pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation”(S 42). Curiosity about the about the unknown world also compels Walton. Driven by his spirit of inquiry, Frankenstein studies and learns about what eventually destroys him. In an attempt satiate his curiosity, Walton journeys north to explore places few men dare to travel. Frankenstein’s and Walton’s desire to learn allows them to identify with each other as men of science. However, Frankenstein lets his pursuit of knowledge destroy himself and everyone he loves. Seeing the disastrous effects of Frankenstein’s quest for knowledge “fills [Walton] with sympathy and compassion”(S 23). While Frankenstein is also sympathetic towards Walton’s failed expedition, he implores his friend to abandon his voyage before it destroys him. The sympathy that the two characters have for one another supports their friendship even further. Victor Frankenstein and Robert Walton are linked by maintaining a connection with family, leaving home in pursuit of knowledge, and expanding their understanding of the universe. Within the novel exists an “emphasis on social connectedness as a fundamental aspect of our being”(Gómez 366). Because of the similarities shared by these two characters, they are able to attain

companionship from each other when they needed it most. Frankenstein’s and Walton’s ability to sympathize with each other on multiple levels is a direct result of the similarities that they share. These similarities allowed the two characters to understand each other in ways no one else could and gives them a friend when they most need one.