How does the presence of Robert Walton in this book affect the text's treatment of science? What is his scientific motivation and goal? How does it differ from the scientific quest that Victor Frankenstein relates?
Walton's foray into science is born from the desire to surpass historical exploration of the North Pole. It's a goal..... not so much an experiment. His motivation is to better what his predecessors have accomplished and to find the country of "eternal light." Both men are on a quest for knowledge...... both men are attempting to discover unknown secrets..... and both men are dabbling with danger. The difference between the two is that even though both men put other people in the path of danger, Victor's quest for knowledge is questionable from a moral standpoint. The men who accompany Walton know what they're up against (or can imagine), and the people affected by Victor's experimentation are left without a choice. They are ignorant.
Frankenstein
