Knowledge And Ambition GCSE

Question 1

Both Walton and victor have a goal

Answer 1

Victor-lofty ambition

Walton-favourite dream

Question 2

Shelley shows that the 2 characters did not have the best motives at heart

Answer 2

Walton-“preferred glory”

Victor-“owe their being to him”

Question 3

Use of light to show knowledge and ambition

Answer 3

Walton-“a country of eternal light”

Victor-“a torrent of light”

Both showing the positives for ambition

Question 4

The destructive nature of ambition

Answer 4

Victor-“emaciated” “pale”

Walton-“withdrawn” longs for a friend as he becomes increasingly isolated

Question 5

Shelley warns us that some knowledge is forbidden

Answer 5

Victor “tortured” animals. This disturbing imagery shows us the loss of humanity once ambition takes control

Shelley uses warfare imagery such as “fortifications” and “citadel” of nature suggesting that the nature was deliberately hiding knowledge from Victor.

Shelley compares victors hunt for knowledge as that of a “serpent” , negative biblical imagery emphasizes the sinful nature of Victor’s desire

Question 6

Critisizing human nature

Answer 6

Shelley criticizes human nature through the destructive curiosity of Walton and Victor as their desire for knowledge has caused the death of many