The novel Frankenstein begins with a letter from Robert Walton to his sister Margaret. Robert explains to her that he has made the trip from London to Petersburgh without issue. He explains that he is planning on going to the North Pole with other experienced travelers. He talks about how he was a poet, but then inherited the fortune of his cousin and quit working. Finally, about six years ago, he began to get back into work, going with whalers to the North Sea. By night, however, he dedicated himself to studying math, sciences, and medicine. He works now towards the glory of going to the North Pole rather than being content with his wealth.