Geneva, Switzerland is one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities. The large city juts into France, being a European cultural center for urban life, politics, diplomacy, and language. The city is also known for its luxury jewelry and watch industry, as well as its large tourist population. The city has many languages, with a quarter of the permanent residency having English as a second language, with the primary languages being German, French, and Italian.
From 1908 to 1960, a large portion of the Congo was under the rule of Belgium. It was established by the Belgian parliament to replace the previous Congo Free States, as there was international outrage with the abuse of power the private citizens had over the natives. The Belgians view Africans as children who needed to be cared for and taught how to be civil which is known as paternalism. This “parent-child” relationship was heavily exploited by the Belgians as they drained the nation of gold, diamonds, copper, tin, cobalt, zinc, and ivory.
Lowood Boarding School is an important location within Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. Lowood is the boarding school her aunt sends her to and where she has her most formative years. At Lowood, she develops her morals, witnesses the first death she remembers, creates relationships that affect her throughout the rest of the book, is shamed and humiliated, and develops a deep love for learning and scholarship. Lowood School is heavily inspired by the school Bronte attended as a child, Cowan Bridge, which was a very traumatic experience.
The tale of “El Dorado” dates to the Spanish people in the sixteenth century. Allegedly, this story discusses a mythical tribal king of the indigenous people who covered himself in gold and submerged himself in Lake Guaravita (“El Dorado”). However, there have been various locations mentioned over the years of where “El Dorado” truly resides as well as interpretations of the story throughout history. Historians have been able to piece together the true details of the myth over the years.
In Shelley’s literary work, she discusses the location of Bellerive, which is located near Switzerland. This secluded area of Switzerland contains various villages with a wide demographic of people (“Bellerive, Switzerland”). Frankenstein is advised to escape his town and visit this place in the novel. While there with his family, he reflects on various emotions he is experiencing related to the creation of his monster that has terrorized the community. Frankenstein is feeling guilty for the innocent lives lost because of his eternal quest for knowledge.
