Doubling

Walton: "...and devoted my nights to the study of mathematics, the theory of medicine, and those branches of physical science from which a naval adventure might derive the greatest practical advantage." (page 3)

Victor: "My application was at first fluctuating and uncertain; it gained strength as I proceeded, and soon became so ardent and eager, that the stars often disappeared in the light of morning whilst I was yet engaged in my laboratory. As I applied so closely, it may be easily conceived that my progress was rapid. My ardor was indeed the astonishment of the students, and my proficiency that of the masters." (page 29)

While there are many examples of how Walton and Frankenstein serve as paralleled characters in this novel, this was just one example backed with textual support. Both characters became extremely dedicated to their schooling in order to work towards their ultimate goal; to achieve the impossible. They realize the importance of deepening their education before this could become a possibility and therefore immersed themselves in their studies. Another similarity is how they both isolated themselves from their friends and families in order to work towards what they wanted most in life. They each gave up what was most important to them, meaning family, to focus on themselves and their own individual goals. In each circumstance, Victor and Walton also started to become obsessed with their goals. They neglected the other parts of their lives to focus solely on their aspirations. Walton wanted to sail to the North Pole and discover why compasses pointed North, and Victor wanted to discover how to create life from lifeless matter. Within their families, Walton and Victor have very close relationships with their sisters. In fact, Victor's mother mentions in the story that when they adopted Elizabeth her and Victor's father originally planned for them to become wedding partners. Weird.