Frankenstein — Mary Shelley

# Frankenstein — Mary Shelley

## Introduction: The Epistolary Frame and Romantic Ambition

Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus* opens not with the story of Victor Frankenstein’s creation, but with a series of letters from Robert Walton, an ambitious explorer, to his sister, Margaret Saville. This framing device is crucial, establishing several key themes that resonate throughout the novel. Walton’s letters, excerpted here, reveal a character driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and glory, mirroring the ambition that will ultimately consume Victor Frankenstein. The excerpt immediately positions the narrative within the Romantic tradition, characterized by a fascination with the sublime power of nature, the individual’s quest for self-discovery, and a yearning for the unattainable. Walton’s descriptions of the “icy climes” and the “eternal light” of the polar regions are not merely geographical details; they represent a symbolic landscape of intellectual and spiritual exploration. He doesn’t simply *want* to reach the North Pole; he wants to penetrate the mysteries of the universe, to “discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle” (referring to magnetism) and to “satiate my ardent curiosity.”

## The Allure of the Unknown and the Romantic Hero

Walton’s fervent desire to explore the uncharted territories of the Arctic embodies the Romantic hero’s characteristic traits: a rebellious spirit, a thirst for knowledge, and a willingness to challenge conventional boundaries. He acknowledges the potential dangers – “fear of danger or death” – but dismisses them as insignificant compared to the potential rewards. This willingness to risk everything for the sake of discovery is presented as both admirable and potentially destructive. The comparison to a “child feels when he embarks in a little boat” is significant. It suggests a naive enthusiasm, a childlike wonder that, while inspiring, may also blind him to the true consequences of his actions. The excerpt highlights the Romantic belief in the power of imagination and the importance of individual experience. Walton’s “daydreams become more fervent and vivid,” fueled by the “wind of promise” and the accounts of previous explorers. He actively *creates* his own vision of the polar regions, transforming them into a “region of beauty and delight” despite the conventional understanding of them as “the seat of frost and desolation.”

## The Legacy of Exploration and the Pursuit of Scientific Advancement

The text reveals Walton’s intellectual lineage, tracing his fascination with exploration back to his childhood and the library of his “good Uncle Thomas.” This detail underscores the importance of inherited knowledge and the influence of past discoveries. The fact that Walton’s “education was neglected, yet I was passionately fond of reading” suggests that self-directed learning and a thirst for knowledge can be more powerful than formal education. The library represents a repository of human ambition and the collective pursuit of understanding the world. Walton’s early ambition to become a seafaring explorer was thwarted by his father’s “dying injunction,” a detail that hints at the potential conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations. This echoes the later conflicts faced by Victor Frankenstein, who also pursues knowledge despite warnings and potential consequences.

## From Scientific Ambition to Poetic Aspirations

Interestingly, the excerpt also reveals a previous phase in Walton’s intellectual development: his attempt to become a poet. He “became a poet and for one year lived in a paradise of my own creation,” aspiring to join the ranks of literary giants like Homer and Shakespeare. His “failure” and the resulting “disappointment” are presented as a turning point, leading him to redirect his energies towards scientific exploration. This shift reflects a broader tension within the Romantic period between the realms of art and science. While both are driven by a desire to understand and express the human condition, they employ different methods and pursue different goals. Walton’s abandonment of poetry is not necessarily a rejection of creativity, but rather a rechanneling of it into a more “practical” and “beneficial” pursuit – the advancement of scientific knowledge. He believes his expedition will “confer on all mankind, to the last generation” a significant benefit, either through discovering a new passage or unlocking the secrets of magnetism.

## The Theme of Legacy and the Desire for Immortality

The desire to leave a lasting legacy is a recurring motif in the excerpt. Walton seeks not only personal glory but also to contribute to the collective knowledge of humanity. He wants to “tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man” and to make a discovery that will be remembered for generations to come. This desire for immortality through achievement is a powerful motivator for both Walton and, as the novel will reveal, Victor Frankenstein. The excerpt foreshadows the central ethical questions that *Frankenstein* will explore: the responsibility that comes with scientific power, the potential consequences of unchecked ambition, and the dangers of playing God. Walton’s initial enthusiasm and unwavering confidence serve as a stark contrast to the moral complexities that will unfold as the story progresses. The final lines emphasize the importance of a “steady purpose” for “tranquillise the mind,” a sentiment that will be ironically challenged by the tumultuous events that follow.

## Foreshadowing and Narrative Structure

The epistolary form itself is significant. By presenting the story through Walton’s letters, Shelley creates a sense of distance and mediation. We are not directly experiencing the events; we are receiving them secondhand, filtered through Walton’s perspective. This narrative structure allows Shelley to explore themes of perception, interpretation, and the limitations of human understanding. The excerpt subtly foreshadows the tragic consequences of unchecked ambition and the dangers of pursuing knowledge without considering the ethical implications. Walton’s unwavering optimism and his belief in the inherent goodness of scientific progress will be tested as he encounters Victor Frankenstein and learns the full extent of his creation’s horrors.