Victor has been through a lot in his quest to create life. He was so wrapped up in his scientific studies that he isolated himself from his family and friends and society in general. He let his ambition guide him rather than his common sense and morality, the result of this is his frustrated monster. When Victor comes across Walton in the artic, he sees a reflection of himself. Walton shows characteristics much like those that Victor himself possesses. He notices that Walton is isolating himself by going far away from his family and friends to make new discoveries in the Artic. He sends letters home to his sister, but it is obvious that she is concerned about his well being. Victor is worried that Walton will make the same mistakes he did so he decides to tell Walton his story.
Kyle
Litchmore
Walton is eager to hear what happened with Victor's scientific experiment and listens to his story unprejudiced. By the end of the book, it is apparent that Victor's story has affected Walton, so much so that Walton decides to head back home to his family. The significance of Victor's story to Walton is that Victor's story gives Walton a personal account of the dangers that can surface when one becomes excessively consumed in their studies. Victor lost his little brother, his friendly maid, and his wife. He is totally alone and being chased by a monster that he created.
Having heard all that Victor Frankenstein went through it is unlikely Walton would feel like continuing with his journey when he has just learned the value of family and friends.
Victor Frankenstein was so caught up in his creation of life that he forgot to think of the possible consequences that come with his work. As a scientist, he is responsible for whatever he creates or does and not taking responsibility for the creature is the mistake that Victor learns from in the novel. Frankenstein did not understand how dangerous his experiment was until it was too late. He created a monster and then, scared and shocked at what he had done, ran away and left the monster to fend for himself. Victor had no comprehension of how selfish he had been. He gave this creature life and then wished he could just take it away because of the monster's looks alone. He had a responsibility to teach him the ways of life and instil morals and ethics in him as a person. What shows you that Victor has learnt from his mistakes is when he destroys the creature’s bride knowing that nothing good can come of trying to play God.
‘Remember that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous’.
Listening to others' stories gives people different perspectives and views of different situations. Society can read Victor's story and re-evaluate their lives and decisions. They can make sure that they don't make the same mistake he did. Walton is an example of a person who re-evaluated his life. He realized that he was falling right into the same trap that Frankenstein fell into. His quest for knowledge and science was taking precedence over his family and friends. Frankenstein even learned something from listening to the monster's story. He saw just how serious the consequences of his actions were. Maybe he even felt a tiny bit bad for the monster. The monster allowed Frankenstein to recognize his biggest mistake: creating life and not taking responsibility for his creation. It's unfortunate that Frankenstein didn't do anything to solve the problems he created for the monster. However, because of listening, everyone's story was heard and re-told. If the message is accurately portrayed, then others have the option to correct their own mistakes or change their own life paths, before it's too late.