Caution: Knowledge

Walton and Frankenstein have similar background goals that mirror one another (parallel characters). Both strive for a new discovery—reaching something that is supposedly impossible. Just as Walton sails to the North Pole to fine a northern passage to the Pacific, Frankenstein tries to build new life. He even warns: “learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow” (pg 52). I cannot decide if I agree with his statement or not. Knowledge is extremely important, and I want to soak up as much of it as I can. However, he does make an intelligent point when he says that it is dangerous for a man to become “greater than his nature will allow.” Limits must exist or man could create his own destruction.