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Frankenstein - Letter 1

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.

  • “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.

  • “May regulate a thousand celestial observations”

    Hyperbole.

  • “I shall satiate my ardent curiosity”

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

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

    Ambitious character.

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

    Reveals how arrogant and self-important Walton is.

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

    Religious imagery.

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

    Self-important, hubristic.

  • “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.

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.

Frankenstein - Letter 1

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.

  • “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.

  • “May regulate a thousand celestial observations”

    Hyperbole.

  • “I shall satiate my ardent curiosity”

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

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

    Ambitious character.

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

    Reveals how arrogant and self-important Walton is.

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

    Religious imagery.

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

    Self-important, hubristic.

  • “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.

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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