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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
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2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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English Literature
6 Dec 2025
105
3 pages
Katie Toppin @katietoppin
You're about to dive into one of literature's most famous framing devices - the letters of Captain Robert... Show more
Ever felt like you're surrounded by people but completely alone? That's exactly where Captain Robert Walton finds himself as he writes to his sister Margaret from the frozen wasteland of Archangel. He's successfully hired a ship and crew for his ambitious Arctic expedition, but there's a massive problem - he's got nobody who truly gets him.
Walton's not just being dramatic here; he's identifying something that'll become crucial to understanding the whole novel. He craves intellectual companionship - someone who can match his dreams and ambitions whilst also keeping his feet on the ground. Without this, he feels his grand plans lack what painters call "keeping" - basically, proper perspective and balance.
His self-education becomes both a source of pride and shame. Whilst his imagination soars beyond that of many formally educated people, he feels intellectually inferior to fifteen-year-old schoolboys. This tension between natural genius and formal learning will pop up again and again in the novel.
Think About This Walton's loneliness isn't just personal - it's setting up the theme of dangerous isolation that will define Victor Frankenstein's story.
Here's where Walton shows he's not completely naive about human nature. He's managed to find decent people among the rough sailors and merchants - proof that nobility exists in unexpected places. His lieutenant embodies this perfectly ambitious and glory-seeking, but retaining "some of the noblest endowments of humanity" despite his lack of formal education.
The ship's master gets the most attention, and for good reason. This bloke literally gave up his love, his farm, and his life savings to ensure the woman he loved could marry the man she actually wanted. Then he left the country until she was safely married. Talk about selfless!
But here's Walton's problem even this incredibly noble master is "wholly uneducated" and "silent as a Turk." He can appreciate the man's moral character, but still can't find that intellectual equal he desperately seeks.
Key Point Notice how Shelley uses these character sketches to explore the difference between formal education and natural goodness - a major Romantic theme.
Don't mistake Walton's complaints for weakness - his resolutions are "fixed as fate." The harsh winter has delayed his departure, but spring's coming early and nothing will stop him from reaching those unexplored Arctic regions.
His reference to Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner" isn't just showing off his literary knowledge. He's directly connecting his journey to Romantic poetry, admitting that his "passionate enthusiasm for the dangerous mysteries of ocean" comes partly from reading imaginative literature. This is pure Romantic sensibility - letting emotion and imagination drive you toward the sublime and dangerous.
Walton recognises something mysterious working in his soul that he doesn't fully understand. He's not just a practical sailor; he's got "a love for the marvellous" that pushes him beyond ordinary human paths into wild, unvisited regions.
The letter ends on an ominous note. He's not sure he'll survive to see Margaret again, but he can't bear to dwell on failure. His request to "remember me with affection, should you never hear from me again" foreshadows the dangerous obsession that's about to unfold in the main story.
Remember Walton's Romantic idealism and isolation mirror Victor Frankenstein's character - making him the perfect person to understand and tell Victor's story.
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 ambitions in Walton's first letter from Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. This analysis delves into his motivations for exploration, the allure of the unknown, and the philosophical reflections on nature and discovery. Ideal for literary analysis and understanding character development in the Romantic genre.
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
You're about to dive into one of literature's most famous framing devices - the letters of Captain Robert Walton from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. These letters don't just set up the main story; they reveal themes of isolation, ambition, and... 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 felt like you're surrounded by people but completely alone? That's exactly where Captain Robert Walton finds himself as he writes to his sister Margaret from the frozen wasteland of Archangel. He's successfully hired a ship and crew for his ambitious Arctic expedition, but there's a massive problem - he's got nobody who truly gets him.
Walton's not just being dramatic here; he's identifying something that'll become crucial to understanding the whole novel. He craves intellectual companionship - someone who can match his dreams and ambitions whilst also keeping his feet on the ground. Without this, he feels his grand plans lack what painters call "keeping" - basically, proper perspective and balance.
His self-education becomes both a source of pride and shame. Whilst his imagination soars beyond that of many formally educated people, he feels intellectually inferior to fifteen-year-old schoolboys. This tension between natural genius and formal learning will pop up again and again in the novel.
Think About This: Walton's loneliness isn't just personal - it's setting up the theme of dangerous isolation that will define Victor Frankenstein's story.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Here's where Walton shows he's not completely naive about human nature. He's managed to find decent people among the rough sailors and merchants - proof that nobility exists in unexpected places. His lieutenant embodies this perfectly: ambitious and glory-seeking, but retaining "some of the noblest endowments of humanity" despite his lack of formal education.
The ship's master gets the most attention, and for good reason. This bloke literally gave up his love, his farm, and his life savings to ensure the woman he loved could marry the man she actually wanted. Then he left the country until she was safely married. Talk about selfless!
But here's Walton's problem: even this incredibly noble master is "wholly uneducated" and "silent as a Turk." He can appreciate the man's moral character, but still can't find that intellectual equal he desperately seeks.
Key Point: Notice how Shelley uses these character sketches to explore the difference between formal education and natural goodness - a major Romantic theme.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Don't mistake Walton's complaints for weakness - his resolutions are "fixed as fate." The harsh winter has delayed his departure, but spring's coming early and nothing will stop him from reaching those unexplored Arctic regions.
His reference to Coleridge's "Ancient Mariner" isn't just showing off his literary knowledge. He's directly connecting his journey to Romantic poetry, admitting that his "passionate enthusiasm for the dangerous mysteries of ocean" comes partly from reading imaginative literature. This is pure Romantic sensibility - letting emotion and imagination drive you toward the sublime and dangerous.
Walton recognises something mysterious working in his soul that he doesn't fully understand. He's not just a practical sailor; he's got "a love for the marvellous" that pushes him beyond ordinary human paths into wild, unvisited regions.
The letter ends on an ominous note. He's not sure he'll survive to see Margaret again, but he can't bear to dwell on failure. His request to "remember me with affection, should you never hear from me again" foreshadows the dangerous obsession that's about to unfold in the main story.
Remember: Walton's Romantic idealism and isolation mirror Victor Frankenstein's character - making him the perfect person to understand and tell Victor's story.
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 ambitions in Walton's first letter from Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'. This analysis delves into his motivations for exploration, the allure of the unknown, and the philosophical reflections on nature and discovery. Ideal for literary analysis and understanding character development in the Romantic genre.
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