How are Robert Walton and Frankenstein similar? How are Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein similar people? Anything, from aspirations, hopes and...

Bothandcrave glory. They
both long to make some valuable contribution to the human race and to be remembered forever,
held up as heroes who accomplished something that no one ever had before. Captain Walton says to
his sister,

You cannot contest the inestimable benefit
which I shall confer on all mankind, to the last generation, by discovering a passage near the
pole to those countries, to reach which at present so many months are requisite; or by
ascertaining the secret of the magnet, which, if at all possible, can only be effected by an
undertaking such as mine.

He wants to make a real
contribution but, just as important, he wants to be recognized for his contribution to the
species. Walton even tells Mrs. Saville, his sister, that he has "preferred glory to every
enticement that wealth placed in [his] path." When Victor learns of Walton's plans, he
implores, "'Unhappy man!  Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of the intoxicating
draught?'" Victor obviously sees the similarities in their temperaments: the fact that both
are willing to risk life and limb in order to achieve their goals.

Further,
Victor tells Walton, "You seek for knowledge and wisdom, as I once did; and I ardently hope
that the gratification of your wishes may not be a serpent to sting you, as mine has been."
Victor compares his seeking for knowledge and glory to being bitten by a snake, and he hopes
that he can give Walton the benefit of his experience and prevent his new friend from the same
sad fate.