Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
English Literature
3 Dec 2025
141
3 pages
Katie Toppin @katietoppin
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein opens with Robert Walton writing letters to his sister Margaret from St Petersburg, preparing for... Show more
Ever wondered what drives someone to risk everything for discovery? Robert Walton is writing from St Petersburg, buzzing with excitement about his upcoming polar expedition. He's not just planning a casual adventure - he genuinely believes he'll find a paradise at the North Pole.
Walton's romantic idealism is immediately obvious. He imagines the Arctic as a land of eternal sunlight and beauty, completely ignoring the harsh realities of polar exploration. This isn't based on scientific evidence, but pure fantasy and wishful thinking.
His goals are massively ambitious discovering a northern passage to the Pacific, uncovering the source of Earth's magnetism, and exploring uncharted territories. These aren't just personal dreams - he believes his discoveries will benefit all of humanity for generations to come.
Key Point Walton's unrealistic expectations about the Arctic foreshadow the dangerous consequences of unchecked ambition that will appear throughout the novel.
Walton's backstory reveals a pattern of obsessive pursuits that keeps shifting focus. His childhood was shaped by reading endless accounts of polar voyages in his uncle's library, sparking his initial fascination with exploration.
He then abandoned exploration dreams to become a poet, living in what he calls "a Paradise of my own creation." When poetry failed spectacularly, he inherited money and immediately returned to his polar obsession. This cycle shows his tendency to throw himself completely into unrealistic goals.
Six years of preparation followed his decision to pursue Arctic exploration. He's trained with whale fishers, endured physical hardships, and studied mathematics and medicine. His dedication is genuinely impressive - he even worked as a ship's mate and earned respect from experienced sailors.
Key Point Walton's thorough preparation shows he's not completely naive, but his underlying motivations remain dangerously romantic and self-centred.
The practical reality of Arctic travel starts to emerge as Walton describes Russian winter conditions. He's adopted fur clothing and planned his route carefully, showing some awareness of the physical challenges ahead.
His timeline is set departing for Archangel in 2-3 weeks, hiring a ship and crew there, then sailing in June. The uncertainty about returning reveals the expedition's genuine danger - he admits he might never see his sister again if things go wrong.
Walton's isolation becomes apparent through his relationship with Margaret. She's clearly worried about him, but he dismisses her concerns while depending on her emotional support. His final farewell has an ominous finality that suggests he knows the risks better than he admits.
The letter ends with Walton's mixed emotions - his resolution is firm, but his spirits fluctuate between confidence and depression. This emotional instability hints at the psychological pressures that will intensify during his journey.
Key Point Despite thorough practical preparation, Walton's emotional volatility and dismissal of others' concerns suggest he's psychologically unprepared for what lies ahead.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key quotations and in-depth analysis of capitalism's damaging effects and Scrooge's transformation in 'A Christmas Carol'. This study note covers themes of isolation, redemption, and the critique of wealth, providing essential insights for your mock exams and GCSE preparation.
English LiteratureExplore the key themes of redemption, poverty, and family in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. This summary highlights Scrooge's transformation, Tiny Tim's significance, and the moral lessons woven throughout the text. Ideal for GCSE and mock exam preparation.
English LiteratureExplore the key themes and character insights from Robert Walton's second letter in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. This analysis delves into Walton's isolation, aspirations, and the romantic elements that drive his journey. Ideal for literary analysis and understanding character motivations.
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Katie Toppin
@katietoppin
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein opens with Robert Walton writing letters to his sister Margaret from St Petersburg, preparing for a dangerous Arctic expedition. These early letters establish key themes about ambition, isolation, and the pursuit of knowledge that will echo throughout... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wondered what drives someone to risk everything for discovery? Robert Walton is writing from St Petersburg, buzzing with excitement about his upcoming polar expedition. He's not just planning a casual adventure - he genuinely believes he'll find a paradise at the North Pole.
Walton's romantic idealism is immediately obvious. He imagines the Arctic as a land of eternal sunlight and beauty, completely ignoring the harsh realities of polar exploration. This isn't based on scientific evidence, but pure fantasy and wishful thinking.
His goals are massively ambitious: discovering a northern passage to the Pacific, uncovering the source of Earth's magnetism, and exploring uncharted territories. These aren't just personal dreams - he believes his discoveries will benefit all of humanity for generations to come.
Key Point: Walton's unrealistic expectations about the Arctic foreshadow the dangerous consequences of unchecked ambition that will appear throughout the novel.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Walton's backstory reveals a pattern of obsessive pursuits that keeps shifting focus. His childhood was shaped by reading endless accounts of polar voyages in his uncle's library, sparking his initial fascination with exploration.
He then abandoned exploration dreams to become a poet, living in what he calls "a Paradise of my own creation." When poetry failed spectacularly, he inherited money and immediately returned to his polar obsession. This cycle shows his tendency to throw himself completely into unrealistic goals.
Six years of preparation followed his decision to pursue Arctic exploration. He's trained with whale fishers, endured physical hardships, and studied mathematics and medicine. His dedication is genuinely impressive - he even worked as a ship's mate and earned respect from experienced sailors.
Key Point: Walton's thorough preparation shows he's not completely naive, but his underlying motivations remain dangerously romantic and self-centred.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The practical reality of Arctic travel starts to emerge as Walton describes Russian winter conditions. He's adopted fur clothing and planned his route carefully, showing some awareness of the physical challenges ahead.
His timeline is set: departing for Archangel in 2-3 weeks, hiring a ship and crew there, then sailing in June. The uncertainty about returning reveals the expedition's genuine danger - he admits he might never see his sister again if things go wrong.
Walton's isolation becomes apparent through his relationship with Margaret. She's clearly worried about him, but he dismisses her concerns while depending on her emotional support. His final farewell has an ominous finality that suggests he knows the risks better than he admits.
The letter ends with Walton's mixed emotions - his resolution is firm, but his spirits fluctuate between confidence and depression. This emotional instability hints at the psychological pressures that will intensify during his journey.
Key Point: Despite thorough practical preparation, Walton's emotional volatility and dismissal of others' concerns suggest he's psychologically unprepared for what lies ahead.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
2
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key quotations and in-depth analysis of capitalism's damaging effects and Scrooge's transformation in 'A Christmas Carol'. This study note covers themes of isolation, redemption, and the critique of wealth, providing essential insights for your mock exams and GCSE preparation.
English LiteratureExplore the key themes of redemption, poverty, and family in Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. This summary highlights Scrooge's transformation, Tiny Tim's significance, and the moral lessons woven throughout the text. Ideal for GCSE and mock exam preparation.
English LiteratureExplore the key themes and character insights from Robert Walton's second letter in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. This analysis delves into Walton's isolation, aspirations, and the romantic elements that drive his journey. Ideal for literary analysis and understanding character motivations.
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology