courage
In evoking traditional martial virtues Walton unwittingly echoes
Milton's Satan who stresses this and other such heroic virtues throughout
Paradise Lost. The strongest echo is to a passage whose dynamics
will come to dominate the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and
his Creature in the novel, an attachment based more and more on
passionate revenge.
What though the field be lost?
All is not lost; the unconquerable will,
And study of revenge, immortal hate,
And courage never to submit or yield:
And what is else not to be overcome?
That glory never shall his wrath or might
Extort from me.
-- I.105-111
Later in Book I Satan's vengeful courage is reinforced by Milton:
his face
Deep scars of thunder had intrencht, and care
Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows
Of dauntless courage, and considerate pride
Waiting revenge.
-- I.600-604
