Theme From The Letters
The entire point of the letters is to set up the story that Victor Frankenstein will tell in chapters 1-24. The letter are written from Robert Walton to his sister Margaret. The letters seem to show a very affectionate relationship between the two, and the sister is constantly making sure that the brother is safe. There is no mention of a father or mother, so the two instead focus on each other. The two themes of the letters seem to be about the importance of family, and the separation between passion and obsession. Every letter begins and ends with Robert stating that he is physically alright, and that he is still remaining safe. At the beginning of the novel, Robert tells her that her that he "testify my gratitude for all your love and kindness." He is always wanting to alleviate the stress that the voyage is putting on her, and is constantly making sure she knows he'll be alright. As for the separation of passion and obsession, Letter 2 is all about how Robert is feeling depressed and alone because he is the only one aboard his vessel that has a lot of drive and motivation. In that letter, he tells his sister that he has an attachment, a dangerous enthusiasm even, to this voyage that he plans. Victor's story basically serves as a warning to Robert about just how far certain things should be pursued, as Victor tell Robert that his message will "dash the cup from your lips." He is referencing the pursuit of knowledge, and more importantly, the obsession that it takes to pursue knowledge to such a high degree.