"One man's life or death were but a small price to pay for the acquirement of the knowledge which I sought, for the dominion I should acquire and transmit over the elemental foes of our race." (13) Walton describes perfectly how ambition blinds people. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein excellently portrays what happens when people become engrossed in their own goals. Ambition can only lead to failure and unhappiness.
             Ambition blinds people to consequences, so all they can see is success. Victor loses sight of everything: his family, friends, health, responsibilities, and possible repercussions. When Victor begins his quest for fame and respect, he neglect his health until he was pale and thin. "My cheek had grown pale with study, and my person had become emaciated with confinement." (40) The creature is so blinded by his desire for acceptance that he ignores reason. He rushes to introduce himself to the De Laceys far too soon and without adequate preparation. The creature pays for his ambition with another rejection. There are other consequences to ambition, as well.
             Not only does ambition blind people to consequences, it also makes people self-centered. Victor is so self-centered that he ignores the fact that his actions may have consequences that affect other people. He completely overlooks the fact that his creature may not be accepted or be happy. "I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart." (43) Clearly, Victor did not understand the possible end effects. The creature, filled with his own ambitions for love, abandons his kind, intelligent ways in a murderous rampage. He ignores his sense of right...