Which novel opens and closes with the letters of Robert Walton?

The novel that opens and closes with the letters of Robert Walton is "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. This classic gothic novel, first published in 1818, tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque creature in his laboratory.

The structure of "Frankenstein" is unique, as it begins and ends with a series of letters written by Robert Walton, an Arctic explorer. Walton is on a journey to the North Pole when his ship becomes trapped in ice. During this time, he encounters Victor Frankenstein, who is in pursuit of the creature he has brought to life.

In the opening letters, Walton describes his ambitions and desires for discovery, comparing himself to the ancient explorers who ventured into unknown territories. He expresses his longing for a companion who can understand and share his passion for exploration.

As the story progresses, Walton's ship comes across a man stranded on an ice floe. This man turns out to be Victor Frankenstein, who shares his tragic tale of creating the monster and the devastating consequences that followed. Frankenstein's narrative becomes the central part of the novel, recounting his pursuit of the creature and the havoc it wreaks on his life and loved ones.

After Frankenstein's death, the novel returns to Walton's letters, which serve as a framing device. In the closing letters, Walton reflects on the story he has heard and expresses his own sorrow and guilt for not heeding the warnings of Victor Frankenstein.

The use of Walton's letters in "Frankenstein" not only provides a narrative structure but also serves to highlight the themes of isolation, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge. The novel explores the consequences of playing god and the dangers of unchecked scientific progress.

Through the use of Walton's perspective, Shelley emphasizes the loneliness and despair that can result from the pursuit of knowledge at any cost. The opening and closing letters by Robert Walton effectively bookend the story and add depth and context to the narrative of "Frankenstein."

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