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.

“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.

“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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“I preferred glory to every enticement that wealth placed in my path”
Shows how he is a character that searches for glory.

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.

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.