Frankenstein: Captain Robert Walton Character Analysis (AQA GCSE English Literature) : Revision Note

Walton is an ambitious, idealistic explorer who ultimately realises the consequences of his obsessive pursuit of discovery.

Captain Robert Walton character summary 

Why is Captain Robert Walton important?

Walton is depicted as:

• Adventurous: Walton’s desire for adventure and discovery leads to his own isolation and loneliness. He wishes to “tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man”. His ambition has driven him to embark on a voyage to the Arctic, where he experiences minimal human interaction and faces the possible threat of a mutiny from his crew. At the beginning of the journey, Walton is confident that he will overcome any fears of danger or death. However, he later admits to feeling “half fearful” about the expedition. 

• Obsessed: In his letter to his sister, Walton acknowledges that his “education was neglected” because of his obsession with exploration. Despite this, he mentions the year he spent writing poetry, during which he makes references to Milton’s Paradise Lost, as well as Homer and Shakespeare. Driven by his ambition as a sailor, he becomes consumed with “mathematics, the theory of medicine and those branches of physical science” that would help him on his journey. Walton’s ambitions are parallel to Frankenstein’s.

• Amiable: Walton finds some companionship when he brings Victor Frankenstein aboard his ship and he hopes he will find a friend in him. He frequently refers to Frankenstein as his “brother” and shares Frankenstein’s story with his sister Mary. Following Frankenstein’s death, Walton chooses to bring the ship back home.

Captain Robert Walton’s use of language

• Romantic imagery: Walton’s language reflects his ambitious nature and he uses romantic and poetic imagery to describe his dreams of exploration and discovery. For instance he states that his quest to reach the North Pole is a noble quest that will bring glory and knowledge to mankind: “I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle”.

• Emotive: In his letters to his sister, Walton expresses his deep longing to explore the Arctic and uncover the mysteries of the North Pole. His writing becomes increasingly emotional as he faces the dangers of the journeys and he realises the risk he is imposing on his crew’s lives. He admits: “I cannot withstand their demands. I cannot lead them unwillingly to danger.” His letters to his sister are filled with expressions of longing and his desire for companionship.

Captain Robert Walton key quotes 

Captain Robert Walton character development

Captain Robert Walton character interpretation

The ambitious explorer

Walton represents the Romantic ideal of ambition and exploration prevalent in the 19th century, when European explorers were venturing into new territories. Influenced by the Romantic movement, which celebrated the sublime power of nature, Walton’s ambition and desire to explore the Arctic symbolises the era’s fascination with the unknown. However, Shelley also uses his character to explore the dangers of obsessive ambition, reflecting Victorian anxieties about the consequences of rapid scientific progress during the Industrial Revolution, a time when technological advancements were transforming society.