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Who Is Walton A Foil In Frankenstein

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Whenever an author tries to use character growth and personality traits to stress a point or emphasize a theme, a common literary device to use is a foil. This is normally done between a main character and an important side character. In the novel Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, such a device can be found and is used to its utmost potential. The two major characters that act as foils to the main character are Robert Walton and the monster. Each one adds a unique element to the story and truly help illustrate Victor Frankenstein as a character. However, between the two, Robert Walton acts the the better foil. He develops Frankenstein in a way the monster simply cannot. The characteristics range from their treatment of their family, dedication …show more content…

While working on the monster, Frankenstein knew his “silence disquieted [his family]...but could [he] could not [his] thoughts from [his] employment” (Frankenstein 41). His desire to complete the monster led him to ignoring his family even when he knew they cared greatly for him and were worried. The fame and glory he would of gained from creating the monster was too much for him to not dedicate himself to—even if it meant putting aside the ones who actually care about him. Walton on the other hand, treats his family is a different way. As far as the novel is concerned, Walton’s only known family member is his sister Margaret Saville. His connection with his sister is much stronger than any relationship Frankenstein shared while creating the monster. In fact, the entire novel is Walton writing to his sister. It starts off like a normal diary, however by the fourth letter, it shifts into more a novel by switching to a chapter format. At various points in the book, Victor talks back to Walton as he is telling the story to him with Walton then writing to his sister. If Walton can write an entire novel to his sister while journeying to the North Pole on an entirely selfish quest with the facade of it being for the greater good, then Frankenstein could of done the same by writing back to the various letters his family had given him. Family was a needless distraction for Victor, but an important factor in what helped Walton make it as far north as he

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The Selected Passage Shows Walton's Determination In Frankenstein

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