I desire the company of a man who could sympathise with me, whose eyes would reply to mine. You may deem me romantic, my dear sister, but I bitterly feel the want of a friend.
Letters, Letter 2 · Robert Walton
Context
Continuing his complaint to Margaret, Walton specifies the kind of companion he longs for during his expedition.
Analysis
The phrase 'whose eyes would reply to mine' constructs friendship as mutual recognition rather than conversation—Walton wants a mirroring gaze, not just verbal exchange. This ocular metaphor reveals that what he calls companionship is actually a craving for validation, for someone who sees the world exactly as he does. When he preemptively defends himself—'You may deem me romantic'—he positions Margaret as a skeptical reader, which ironically undercuts his claim that she understands him.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Walton's idealized vision of friendship is narcissistic—he wants a reflection of himself, not genuine connection, which explains why no real person can satisfy his 'want.'