Final answer:
His quest for knowledge and recognition is reflective of the Romantic movement's ideals and is paralleled in Victor Frankenstein's own pursuit of scientific discovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walton's Ambition in 'Frankenstein'
Robert Walton's main ambition in Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein' is to achieve fame and contribute significantly to society through his exploratory journeys.
Walton is characterized by his desire to reach the North Pole and thereby make a name for himself while also benefiting humanity by potentially discovering a new trading route and gaining scientific knowledge.
However, his ambition is also tinged with romantic inclinations, akin to those seen in the Romantic movement, to which Mary Shelley and her contemporaries belonged.
This ambition is mirrored in the character of Victor Frankenstein, who also seeks glory through scientific discovery, although in his case, it involves reanimating the dead.
Both characters are driven by a pursuit of knowledge and a yearning for importance.
The narrative ultimately questions whether their respective ambitions are justified or if they become detrimental, echoing cautionary tales from ancient myths such as Icarus.
Shelley's novel engages with themes of ambition and the quest for knowledge through the stories of both Walton and Frankenstein, prompting readers to consider the ramifications of unchecked aspirations.
As an integral part of the narrative, Walton's ambition sets the stage for the unfolding of the story's events and poses questions about the nature of humanity's ceaseless striving.