Robert Walton

My father's dying wish was that I not pursue a seabearing future. In my younger years, I spent days reading about various voyages in the library of my Uncle Thomas, dreaming of an excursion to the North Pacific Ocean. However, with my father's unapproving sentiment, I was quickly drawn away from those visions of adventure, finding great pleasure in poetry instead. As quickly as I became a poet, I inherited a humble sum of money from my cousin and regained my boyish dreams.

I henceforth accompanied several vessels upon whale fishing expeditions in the North Sea. These experiences prepared me for my own journey in search of knowledge regarding the magnetic properties of the planet.

As my adventure began to gain momentum, I grew excited. In my excitement I yearned for someone to share it with. The crew that I had brought upon my ship did not consist of any like-minded individuals. Therefore, loneliness layed heavily upon my being. To my surprise, we had a chance encounter with a wandering soul while trudging slowly through unrelenting sheets of ice. He came aboard the vessel and shared a tale of curiosity and self destruction. This wonderful guy could have been my friend, but he died.

"My affection for my guest increases every day." Page 12