In “Letter 2” of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus,” Robert Walton continues his correspondence with his sister, Margaret Saville. This letter, written as his ship prepares to sail to the North Pole, delves deeper into Walton’s motivations and feelings.
Walton expresses his passion for discovery and his ambition to achieve something great that will leave a lasting mark on the world. He shares his fears about the challenges and dangers he might face during the expedition but remains determined to succeed. His yearning for a friend, someone who understands and shares his ambitions, is more pronounced in this letter. Walton longs for someone with whom he can share the joys and sorrows of his journey.
This letter highlights Walton’s adventurous spirit and his willingness to risk everything for knowledge and glory. It sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of human ambition and the quest for understanding, themes that are mirrored in Victor Frankenstein’s own story.
