Character Comparisons: Walton vs Victor
Ever wondered what happens when ambition goes too far? Shelley uses Walton as a clever comparison to Victor, showing us two different paths ambitious people can take.
Both characters share striking similarities - they're obsessed with discovering dangerous mysteries and crave personal glory over wealth. Walton admits "I preferred glory to every enticement" whilst pursuing "the dangerous mysteries of ocean," much like Victor's scientific pursuits.
However, here's the crucial difference: Walton actually stops when lives are at risk, prioritising his crew's safety. Victor, on the other hand, becomes completely consumed by his ambition, neglecting his family and blaming fate rather than taking responsibility. His egotistical belief that "no one else has ever suffered a worse fate" shows how self-absorbed he's become.
Key insight: Walton serves as a foil character - someone whose contrasting choices highlight Victor's fatal flaws and show what could have been different.