The main motif in Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein" is acquiring knowledge. The three main characters of the book; Walter, Victor and the monster are on a quest for knowledge. Each of the three desires knowledge of a different sort, but in all cases the knowledge and experience they experience are dangerous and unsatisfactory.
Robert Walton attempts to reach the North Pole, a mission that many before him have failed to complete. Although Walton is aware of the fact that his quest is dangerous: "These are my enticements, and they are sufficient to conquer all fear of danger or death and to indu…