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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