The Characterization Of Walton In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, the introductory letters Walton writes to his sister, Margaret, provide an indirect characterization of Robert Walton through a discussion of his desires and actions. While countless interpretations of the meaning of these letters exist, the letters’ primary purpose is to convey Walton’s feelings of inadequacy and isolation. Shelley includes these letters to encourage readers to challenge characters’ motivations by showing Walton disguising his ulterior motives as noble reasons. As Walton reveals the ulterior motives in the letters, Shelley encourages readers to challenge characters’ motives.
Many critics incorrectly believe that purpose of these introductory letters is to draw a parallel between the stranger and Walton. However, drawing a comparison is not Shelley’s prime intention, as …show more content…
Walton writes to Margaret telling her that “nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose,” suggesting Walton also seeks a purpose (Shelley 16). Letter I also conveys the possible mediums in which Walton aims to seek purpose; he discusses his having no companion and being forced to “commit [his] thoughts to paper” and grouses that his “education was neglected” (Shelley 15). Walton writes to Margaret, detailing the emotional emptiness which he wishes to fill. Letter I also reveals Walton’s anxiety due to his feeling that he accomplished nothing in his life. Walton asks Margaret if he does “not deserve to accomplish some great purpose?” (Shelley 17). Walton’s rhetorical question shows the urgency of his query and highlights his anxiety that results from a lack of great accomplishments. Through the letters, Walton expresses that his life has a vacancy that must be fulfilled for his life to become meaningful and he to become