In the beginning...

In the Letters, Capt. Robert Walton is distraught by the thought of glory on his quest to the North Pole. He seems to be trying to prove himself for his failures: self-educating himself. Only to remember that he will have no one to share his "enthusiasm of success, there will be none to participate my joy." Throughout his letters he keeps reminding his sister, Margaret Saville, that he may not come home and if he does it may not be for many months. Almost asking her not to be too hopeful for his safe return.

During Chapter 1, Victor Frankenstein begins to tell Capt. Walton his story. Telling of his ancestors, birth, childhood, his parents, and adopted sister. When he speaks of his adopted sister, he shows great affection for her and says that Elizabeth was "his to protect, love, and cherish." She was always more than a sister to Victor, beginning when his mother decided from the moment of Elizabeth's adoption they would one day marry. How would a marriage to your sister turn out? If Capt. Walton does not succeed on his quest, how will Marget be affected?