“Letter 1” in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus” is the first in a series of letters written by the character Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret Saville, in England. This letter sets the stage for the novel’s narrative style and introduces key themes.
In the letter, Walton describes the beginning of his ambitious expedition to the North Pole. He expresses his longing for friendship and his high hopes for his journey, which he believes will bring him fame and glory. Walton also mentions his previous failures and the loneliness he feels, emphasizing his desire for a companion who shares his interests and passions.
This letter, while brief, establishes Walton as a character with dreams and desires similar to Victor Frankenstein, foreshadowing the thematic parallels between the two characters that unfold as the story progresses. It’s a poignant introduction to the novel’s exploration of human ambition, the need for connection, and the pursuit of the unknown.
