Victor asks Walton to destroy his enemy, but there is
nothing to support the idea that Walton makes such a
promise. In fact, Walton, even if he did make such a
promise, would be putting himself in danger if he wrote
that he had done so. Why? Because murder is a crime.
In two ways Mary Shelley is careful to include the fact
that there would be consequences for Walton, if he did
such a thing. First there is Walton's promise to his sister
that he "will kill no albatross". Second there is the insurance
contract, which, like all insurance contracts, has conditions
that must be met by the insured.  If Walton breaks conditions
he has agreed to in the insurance contract, the underwriters
will not have to pay on a claim that results from his misdeeds.
There is plenty in what Walton writes to his sister that the
underwriters could use in such a case. It is important to note
this, as Walton is still very much in dangerous waters when
the novel ends. It is conceivable that the Saville family will be
adversely affected by the loss of the ship and subsequent claim,
even if Walton survives. If the insurance underwriters are not
responsible for the loss, the owners of the ship may sue Walton.
There are many horrors that might arise in a continuation of the
story that Mary Shelley has ended at a critical moment.
[Conclusion] [HailMaryShelley Home] [Return to Exercise of Mind]