Analysis Of Robert Walton, A Character In Frankenstein By Mary Shelley (Essay Sample)

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Subject DD MM YYYY Character Analysis of Robert Walton In “Frankenstein,” Robert Walton is first revealed in the letter that he directs to his sister concerning his curiosity. The neglection of Walton’s education turns him into a mad scientist proving the fact that knowledge may be dangerous in specific circumstances. Walton notes that his education was neglected despite his intense passion for learning as seen through his consistent reading. He states, “I often worked harder than the common sailors during the day and devoted my night to the study of mathematics" (Shelley 3). He invests much of his time in gaining knowledge which the society eventually fail to accept. Walton identifies himself separately from the rest of the men. Notably, he gets on a ship to a place where he does not know anyone. His self-opinionated view that he is superior makes him spend substantial time on his own, separate from the crew. In the fourth letter, Walton claims, “I said in one of my letters, my dear Margaret, that I should find no friend on the wide ocean” (Shelley 26). He suffers loneliness that he wishes someone else would be with him. In the pursuit of knowledge, Walton turns out dangerous. He intends to make a discovery that no other person has made their whole lives. He goes to hazardous destinations which leads to his suffering. Shelley notes, “Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge...