Frankenstein - Letter 1

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Important Quotations

• “What may not be expected in a country of eternal light” Rhetorical question

  Light imagery - suggests that light is a symbol of discovery and knowledge. Positive connotations.

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• “I may there discover the wondrous power which attracts the needle”

  This refers as to why a compass points north - links to the Georgians obsession with scientific discovery.

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• “May regulate a thousand celestial observations”

  Hyperbole.

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• “I shall satiate my ardent curiosity”

  Imperative ‘shall’ shows that he is determined and confident.

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• “May tread a land never before imprinted by the foot of man”

  Ambitious character.

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• “You cannot contest the inestimable benefit which I shall confer onto all of mankind”

  Reveals how arrogant and self-important Walton is.

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• “I feel my heart glow with an enthusiasm which elevates me to heaven”

  Religious imagery.

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• “Do I not deserve to accomplish some great purpose”

  Self-important, hubristic.

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• “I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path”

  Shows how he is a character that searches for glory.

Context

• The late Georgian era's desire to explore was reflected in the character of Walton; he represents the Enlightenment.
• The idea of travelling, scientific discovery, and exploration was the lifeblood of the late Georgians.
• The Georgians would travel the globe in search of artefacts, specimens of plants and animals, and other items that would help them carry out scientific experiments.
• They also invented a lot of things that would help them learn more.
• For instance, the first clock was made in 1759, and it enabled sailors and adventurers to accurately navigate because they could now chart their positions at sea.

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Relevant notes

• Who is Robert Walton?

  A captain who is sailing to the north pole with the intention of making a scientific discovery and exploring.

• What are his character traits?

  Arrogant.

  Self-important.

  Obsessed with science and exploration.

  A glory hunter.

• Written in the format of a framed narrative.

• Framed narrative = A story within a story; a literary technique that serves as a companion piece to a story within a story.

• Written as an epistolary.

• Epistolary = written entirely in letters.

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