Parallelism --- Walton and Victor

"My affection for the guest increases every day." -Walton pg 11
"My family is one of the most distinguished of that republic.." -Victor pg 14
"I love you tenderly. Remember me with affection, should you never hear from me again" -Walton pg 6
"No word, no expression could body forth the kind of relation in which she stood to me - my more than sister, since till death she was to be mine only." -Victor 18
"A human being in perfection ought always to preserve a calm and peaceful mind, and never to allow passion or a transitory desire to disturb his tranquility." -Victor pg 34
"I cannot describe to you my sensations on the near prospect of my undertaking..It is impossible to communicate to you a conception of the trembling sensation.." -Walton pg 6

These passages above are only a few excerpts that illustrate parallelism between Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein. The first, above the surface, connection can be made based on the great tenderness and love the two show for their "sisters." This similarity may be one to simply connect the two as friends, showing how they are both loving, family-oriented beings. Another connection can be made based on the complete obsession the two show. Both of these men are working towards an almost impossible goal of exploration and discovery. In the quotes above each man recognizes that they are being so consumed by their goals, but they do nothing to reverse their fate. In my opinion, Shelley uses parallelisms between these two main characters to allow the themes of benevolence (kind and sympathetic in social interaction with others) to shine through. The two are able to sympathize greatly with one another because they have similar situations.