Frankenstein Prologue

Robert Walton Framed Narrative - the story begins and ends with Robert's letters to his sister, Mrs. Saville in England. What is the point of view of the narrative? Where is the narrator going and why has he chosen to make this voyage?

Robert Walton Robert Walton is attempting to be the first person to sail to and reach the North Pole. He is pursuing this goal for personal gain and glory. He is not concerned with the possible cost in the suffering of his crew or even the benefits this exploration will provide to mankind. He thinks only of the glory and fame that will be his.

Romantic Leanings 2. Walton says he is a “Romantic.” What is a Romantic person like? He listens to his heart instead of his mind. He is concerned with the individual, focusing on his subjective experiences. He is irrational, imaginative, and emotional. He also finds peace of mind in nature and admires its beauty

Benefit to Mankind 3. Aside from personal glory, what two benefits to mankind does Walton hope to achieve? To discover the “northwest passage” for trade with the East. To discover the secret of the North’s magnetic pull.

Foreshadowing What are some examples of foreshadowing? Walton's sister had evil forebodings re the enterprise of her brother. Walton claims that even the threat of death is not enough to mitigate his ambition. Walton's stated need of a friend, an equal in terms of passion and aspiration hints that he will meet just such a man. By letter three, Walton has become too boasting and too self-assured of success, his "Triumph Over Nature.”

Meeting Frankenstein 5. What is Walton’s impression of Frankenstein? He thinks the stranger has been “broken by misery,” and is, perhaps, insane. - He sees wildness in the stranger’s eyes. Walton also thinks he takes well to kindness and has a strong spirit. Walton develops a strong affection for the stranger and even suggests that he "loves him like a brother.”

Frankenstein’s Story 6. How does Frankenstein react to Walton’s dream/goal? He is horrified by Walton’s goal because he sees himself in Walton. He fears Walton is doomed to make the same tragic mistakes he has made. He fears for Walton’s safety and the crew’s lives. He is trying to keep Walton from falling into the same trap he fell into with the pursuit of knowledge.

Rationalism vs. Romanticism 4. How do Walton’s letters illustrate the tension between eighteenth-century rationalism and nineteenth-century Romanticism? Walton’s letters indicate a belief that humankind (via science) can and will ultimately conquer nature, contrary to the Romantic belief that Nature was ultimately unknowable and unconquerable.

Rime of the Ancient Mariner 7. List the ways in which The Rime of the Ancient Mariner is similar to the “Prologue” in Frankenstein. Walton = the Wedding Guest The stranger (Frankenstein) = the Mariner On a voyage and becomes surrounded by ice Allusion to "the land of the mist and snow" as well as killing an "albatross" and a "worn and woeful Mariner.”