# Letter III explained — Frankenstein

> Chapter companion for Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

## What happens

Robert Walton writes to his sister Margaret from his ship, reporting that he and his crew are safe and making good progress toward the Arctic. He describes their high spirits, the floating ice, and his determination to succeed despite the dangers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Pride

Walton's rhetorical question 'What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?' underscores his ambitious and prideful pursuit of glory in the Arctic.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Walton

Walton writes to his sister, expressing optimism and resolve as his voyage advances.

### Margaret Saville

The recipient of Walton's letter, addressed as 'my dear sister'.

## Key lines

> I write a few lines in haste, to say that I am safe, and well advanced on my voyage.

I'm writing quickly to let you know I'm safe and making good progress on my journey.

_Walton reassures his sister of his safety and progress._

> What can stop the determined heart and resolved will of man?

Nothing can stop a person who is truly determined and resolute.

_Walton expresses his unwavering determination to succeed._

## Links

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