In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, there are a lot of similarities between Walton and Frankenstein that stems from their thirst for knowledge. This leads them to strive to achieve something that mankind has not done before. Frankenstein finds how to create life; Walton goes on a voyage to the North Pole. They advance toward their goal bravely, confident that they will be successful and find glory. However, they both do not consider other negatively possibilities that could occur on their journeys. In his letters, Walton repeats that he will “not rashly encounter danger” (Shelley 12). He is so confidant in his voyage that he fails to realize that a “springing of a leak” could be very hazardous (Shelley 12). Frankenstein’s story, therefore, serves as a warning for Walton. Frankenstein prides himself in learning how to bring a creature to life. He has no concern for boundaries and does not realize that just because he has knowledge, does not mean he should act on it. Frankenstein becomes obsessed by his thirst for knowledge, causing him to become distant with his friends and family. Only when Frankenstein is successful in bringing a creature to life does he realize his mistake and he is horrified at the creature he has created.
One thing I also noticed throughout volume one is how much the characters depend on friendships. Walton tries to find comfort in his letters to Margaret, but it is only until Frankenstein comes aboard the ship that Walton no longer feels so alone. Frankenstein’s father and Beaufort have a strong friendship and so does Frankenstein with Clerval.