Walton stands out as a man that, if given the right circumstances could easily become the next Doctor Frankenstein. His pursuit of knowledge has brought him to the literal ends of the earth, a place of near total isolation, and presents a significant risk to himself and his crew. When a discovery is finally made, it is not towards his scientific goals, but rather a warning towards his naked ambition. As Walton is first introduced, his expedition has reached a critical stage. His crew is demoralized, his ship has run aground, and he himself has begun to question the task he has undertaken. In this moment of doubt, a ragged man appears before him, weakened, and with a tale to tell. From Frankenstein, Walton is offered the tale of true scientific success, and the utter ruin such achievements had wrought.
In this way, Frankenstein lacks what Walton currently possessed, each sacrificed at the altar of his scientific desires. Much like Frankenstein’s brother, Walton’s sister stands at risk of losing contact with him, depending on how the expedition fares. Whether alienated by choice, the significance of discovery, or simple death in the ice, Walton’s continuation represents a disengagement from ‘traditional’ humanity.
This personal crisis is made all the more apparent after Frankenstein’s story is told. As Walton’s ship lingers in the ice and snow, his rapidly dying crew attempt to mutate, stopped only by the power and passion in Victor’s vision. In his monologue, one of the last great efforts he musters in his weakened condition, he calls upon those present to discard their doubts, and remember their position as pioneers.
In this way, Frankenstein lacks what Walton currently possessed, each sacrificed at the altar of his scientific desires. Much like Frankenstein’s brother, Walton’s sister stands at risk of losing contact with him, depending on how the expedition fares. Whether alienated by choice, the significance of discovery, or simple death in the ice, Walton’s continuation represents a disengagement from ‘traditional’ humanity.
This personal crisis is made all the more apparent after Frankenstein’s story is told. As Walton’s ship lingers in the ice and snow, his rapidly dying crew attempt to mutate, stopped only by the power and passion in Victor’s vision. In his monologue, one of the last great efforts he musters in his weakened condition, he calls upon those present to discard their doubts, and remember their position as pioneers.