Robert Walton In Frankenstein

As human beings we react to certain events in stereotypical ways. When we are reunited with a loved one, we rejoice. When that same loved one passes away, we grieve. As a whole, the human race is very similar. However, when observed closely individuals may chose to overreact or to not react depending on the situation. In the novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley emotions run wild. They are not covered, nor are they hidden but often blatantly articulated by the characters. Often, these emotions do not seem to be accurate in the case of their situation. Not everyone who feels alone, is. Nor is the condemned always guilty. And more often than not, not everyone who feels like a wretch is indeed one. Throughout Frankenstein the emotions and reactions …show more content…
Out of the three narrators, Walton is portrayed as the calm, sensible, and neutral raconteur. Robert is seemingly worry free. His life is now in the direction in which he has willed it to be. Human nature, however, compels Walton to grieve over something. In his second letter to his sister, Margaret, he claims to “have no friend” (5) and expresses a wish to find one. Throughout his introductory letters, Walton continues to pine after an intellectual companion. He realises that his wish is not only frivolous, but also self-serving. Walton claims to feel isolated, yet he is surrounded by “[his] sailors” (4) and acknowledges this in the second letter. Roberts’s emotional connection with the events that are occurring, is obscured. However he recognises the inaccurateness in his own emotions and even comments upon this, unlike Victor …show more content…
For part of the novel, the Creature remained kind and loving. But as he learns more about the awful nature of humanity, he lost the amiability that he once held dear. He even states that “all men hate the wretched” (95) and therefore he too, must be hated. Nonetheless, the Creature doesn’t understand why and, for a while, he doesn’t act like a wretch, a monster. As these opinions are continually thrust upon him, he starts to become this “malicious” (147) individual. The Creature initial reaction to the world around him is significantly different to what one would expect of someone so poorly treated. However he soon reacts in a violent manner, only adding fuel to his wretched image. The Creatures perception of himself is on one end of a spectrum and Justine, the innocent young girl, is on the