Final answer:
In Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' love affects Robert Walton's quest for companionship and Victor Frankenstein's tragic pursuit of knowledge. Love's absence leads to the monster's vengeance and reflects themes of ambition and moral responsibility. The Romantic period's literature often explored these complex layers of love and longing.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, both Robert Walton and Victor Frankenstein are deeply affected by the presence or absence of love in their narratives. Walton's voyage is driven by his desire for companionship and understanding, even as he seeks glory. For Victor, love is a complicated force; the love of his family drives him initially, but his obsessive love for knowledge and playing the role of creator leads him to isolation and tragedy. Victor's lack of platonic and romantic love towards his creation results in the monster's vengeance, highlighting the devastating effects of love's absence. The narratives within the plot not only convey action but also allow connections and reflections on broader themes like the dangers of unchecked ambition, similar to the Greek myth of Icarus.
Furthermore, love in a literary context often extends beyond simple romantic or platonic interpretations. It includes a love of pursuits, such as Victor's love for science, as well as the complex relationships that shape and are shaped by the characters. In the Romantic period, literature frequently explored themes of unrequited love, the beauty of nature, and the pursuit of knowledge, while also delving into deeper reflections on religion, the self, relationships, and the essence of love itself
Ultimately, Frankenstein serves as a cautionary tale about the moral responsibilities of a creator towards their creation, and the profound needs of any being for love, acceptance, and companionship. From Victor's educational drives, shaped by his ambitious character, to his tragic interactions with his own creation, the theme of love intertwines.