In regards to Frankenstein, in what way is Victor's story affected by having Robert Walton tell it? In what way are Victor Frankenstein & Robert Walton...

s letters serve to filter 's
story through another perspective, adding a level of objectivity to the
reporting. Walter also helps set a realistic tone for what is otherwise a
completely outrageous story. After all, who would believe that someone could create life out of
dead matter? Walton helps diffuse this sense of disbelief, as he is introduced as a pragmatic
man, concerned with facts and the practical matters of his expedition. But he is also a Romantic
adventurer, eager for the rewards of new experiences and sensitive to human emotions. This
creates a practical lens Walton is established as a reliable reporter, so his description of his
passenger as an honest, sincere man makes his bizarre story more believable.

Walton and his passenger share a common bond in their Romantic natures.
Both men desire to explore the unknown and are inspired by grand ideas. There is
also a strong emotional tie between the two, and they are both quite sensitive and sympathetic
towards each other. Both Victor and Walton are typical Romantic . Victor immediately understands
Waltons need for a close, spiritual friend. Walton is very aware of the terrible sadness that
envelops his guest; he feels a kinship towards him, believing him to be a person of great
intuition and judgment.

Walton and his new passenger are alike
in other ways. They are both sensitive, compassionate men who began their
respective adventures with lofty visions, excited at the thought of the great discoveries they
intend to make. They were both willing to endure great hardship in order to achieve their goals,
and they were single-minded in the pursuit of their objectives. As an Arctic explorer, Walton,
much like Victor, wishes to conquer the unknown. However, when he discovers Victor near death on
the icy water, he listens to Victor's bitter and tormented tale of . This makes him reconsider
continuing his own mission, if it will put his own crew in danger. When the creature appears as
Victor's is dying, Walton fails to destroy the creature, as Victor requested. Instead, he does
what Victor continually failed to do: he listens to the creature's anguished tale with
compassion and empathy. So, he succeeds where Victor fails.