7/31/2019 Character Analysis on Robert Walton

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Character analysis on Robert Walton

Robert Walton is one of the prominent figures in the novel

Frankenstein. He is the Narrator and contributes to the

beginning of the story with four letters. These letters oraddressed to his sister Margret. He is writing to her while

abroad on a sea journey to discover the North Pole. While on

the Journey, he stumbles upon a stranger whos half frozen and

takes him aboard his ship. He then befriends the stranger who

turns out to be victor Frankenstein. Victor then relates his

story to Walton. We may view Robert as a determined, avid

knowledge seeker but with a gentle, dreamy side.

When we first met Robert Walton, the first thing you notice isthat he is on an arduous journey to the North Pole only for

knowledges sake. Thats points out that he is a keen seeker of

knowledge, and is always curios for more I shall satiate my

ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never

been visited. From this quote, you feel a dash of superiority.

He thinks highly of himself and his intelligence. We also feel

that he is speaking in the tones of an educated, resolute

Englishman. But also reveals a slightly maniacal love ofknowledge. It is so intense I may deem it to be slightly

unhealthy, as though knowledge is like heroin to him and he is

a poor despairing addict looking for heroin everywhere even in

the most desolate locations.

He is in fact, a very, very resolute Englishman. He is ready to

endure extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain to

reach his objective. He is oblivious to all the risk that he will

take after having traversed immense seas and returned by themost southern cape of Africa or America? I dare not expect

success, yet I cannot bear to look at the reverse. From this

Quote you may conclude that he fears failure a bit, and he

cannot bear to think of it. To avoid his nemesis, failure, he will

do the impossible.

7/31/2019 Character Analysis on Robert Walton

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Though he is stuffed with determination till bursting point that

doesnt stop him from have some soft feelings stashed away in

between. He becomes vey lonely on the expedition and

becomes very desirous for a friend. I desire the company of a

man that could sympathize with me. You could understandfrom this quote that he is a bit vain, he sees himself at a

particular level and he wants a companion on the same level he

thinks himself is. That also may infer that he is a social person

who leans on people for comfort. That also may explain he

unnaturally long letters to his sister! He comes upon his much-

needed friend when he bumps into Frankenstein on the way.

He then showed his kindness by taking victor on board and

showering him with lavish care and protection.He also shows his affectionate soft side when ending his

letters to Margret. Farwell my dear excellent Margaret This

shows that he really loves and cares for her. By using my he

hints that she may be his only family member and he is

possessive of her and wants to protect her.

Robert Walton is one of the prominent characters of the story.

He is likable I imagine, and he concentrates on details which

makes him a very good narrator for the story. When thenarration shifted to Victor , I was very sorry indeed. I miss him

terribly now and I cant wait to have him back with his letters

telling us about his thirst for knowledge and his north pole

adventures.