One of the pervasive themes running throughout Frankenstein is the recurrent symbolism concerning ice and fire. Fire represents a number of things, to Shelley, but its most significant association is with knowledge and enlightenment. In his first letter Walton expresses his feelings regarding knowledge which, initially, is identical to the passion felt by Victor: "What may not be expected in a country of eternal light?" (Shelley, 6). This is the utterly optimistic view of science and discovery that Walton possesses in his search for a northern passage-or anything unknown. Implicit in this statement is the notion that the pursuit of ultimate knowledge will result in good; this is what Walton and Victor both believe, at first, about their respective interests. The light, in effect, possesses the capacity to both illuminate-to make more clear-and to blind. .

             The monster also finds himself fascinated with fire in his early days, but quickly comes to realize that fire has both good and bad qualities: it can keep you warm and cook you food, but it can also burn and destroy. In this respect, the monster appreciates a metaphorical concept that Victor never seems to fully accept: that a self-serving pursuit of the unknown is inevitably disastrous. Whereas the monster comes to recognize that he cannot live any sort of fulfilling life, and so, chooses to die; even upon his deathbed, Victor urges Walton to continue his quest: .

             "Are you then so easily turned from your design? Did you not call this a glorious expedition? And wherefore was it glorious? Not because the way was smooth and placid as a southern sea, but because it was full of dangers and terror . . . This ice is not made of such stuff as your hearts may be; it is mutable and cannot withstand you if you say that it shall not." (Shelley, 291-2). .

             Victor's powerful words appease Walton and his crew for a few days; however, they ultimately ring hollow.