# Frankenstein Or, The Modern Prometheus explained — Frankenstein

> Chapter companion for Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

## What happens

The opening of the novel introduces Robert Walton's Arctic expedition and his letters to his sister Margaret Saville, setting the stage for the encounter with Victor Frankenstein and the framing narrative of the story.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Pride

Walton's ambitious quest for glory and discovery mirrors Victor's later hubris.

### Isolation and Loneliness

Walton expresses loneliness despite his crew, foreshadowing Victor's and the Creature's isolation.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Walton

Captain of the Arctic expedition, writing letters to his sister.

### Margaret Saville

Walton's sister, the recipient of his letters.

## Key lines

> You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.

Walton writes to his sister that his expedition has started without any problems, despite her fears.

_Walton's optimistic opening contrasts with the tragic events to come._

> I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited, and may tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man.

Walton expresses his desire to explore uncharted Arctic regions, driven by curiosity and ambition.

_Highlights the theme of dangerous knowledge and ambition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters/frankenstein
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/frankenstein_se/chapters