Essential Question 9

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

Both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein are restless with an intense passion for discovery and knowledge. Walton pursues a life on the seas in an attempt to find new lands, cultures, and waterways. Frankenstein focuses on natural philosophy and is curious to know the purpose and secret behind life and death. The reasons for their pursuits differ greatly. Walton is in it for the fame, but Frankenstein "was encouraged to hope [his] present attempts would at least lay the foundations of future success" (32). Both did suffer greatly in their pursuit of discovery. Walton felt lonely and had no close relationships with his crew. Frankenstein was so engrossed by his project of bringing the creature to life that he lost contact with his family and friends. He even grows ill whenever he sees something that reminds him of his work. Lastly, Frankenstein and Walton have a teacher-student relationship. Frankenstein has experienced what Walton is feeling now and does not want Walton to go down the same road as himself. He is protecting Walton from what I believe is pride, which seems to be the main reason for Frankenstein's demise.