parallels

I believe in Mary Shelley‘s Frankenstein a parallel can be made of Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein‘s explorations. Walton is setting out to delve into areas that are unknown and so is Victor. Robert writes to his sister about his future expedition to the north pole and says “I cannot describe to you my sensations on the near prospect of my undertaking” (Shelley 10).this could be compared to Victor when he is speaking of making his new creation. He states “The astonishment which I had first experienced on this discovery soon gave place to delight and rapture”(30-31). The main difference is in the result of their exploration. Walton learns from the monster when he says “Would you also create for yourself and the world a demonical enemy? Or to what do your questions tend? Peace, peace! Learn my miseries, and do not seek to create your own”(146). This is the monster telling him that it is not necessary to continue because he is done and that he need not create more heartache for the both of them. Victor never learned from his mistakes and was driven by his need for revenge. Walton on the other hand is at the brink of beginning his great discovery and learns that you should look before you leap. Because Robert Walton learned from the monster that thinking about the consequences of what you might create is important, he has a chance at a happy life. Victor Frankenstein made the decision to delve into a unknown area without thinking it through and it led to a life of misery and regret.