Use of materials from this course as a starting point.
Use of outside (reputable) sources to aid your writing.
Minimum of five sources in your MLA formatted Works Cited Page
MLA format In-Text Citations in your paper from each source.
Topic Choices:
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
How did a literary work that we read in Semester A or B inspire a modern author? Example: How did “Beowulf” influence J. R. R. Tolkien?
How have the authors we have studied so far this year explored the idea of corruption?
Look at one of the literary periods we’ve studied from Anglo-Saxon to Romantic Period. From a historical perspective, give examples of how the societal values of the time are present / featured in the works we’ve read from the time period.
How do the authors we have studied represent their personal values through their work? How are they reflected in their own writing?
The idea of the monster and the supernatural has been a prevalent theme throughout the time periods and works that we have studied this year. From the epic poem "Beowulf" to Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" to Edgar Allan Poe's macabre tales, the concept of the monstrous and the supernatural has evolved significantly over time.
In "Beowulf," the monster Grendel is portrayed as a physical threat to the society of the time, a representation of the dangers facing the Anglo-Saxon world. Grendel's mother and the dragon also serve as supernatural beings that must be conquered by the hero Beowulf. In contrast, "Frankenstein" explores the idea of the monster as a creation of man, reflecting the fears and consequences of scientific advancements. The monster in this novel is both tragic and horrifying, challenging the boundaries of humanity.
Poe's stories, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Masque of the Red Death," delve into the supernatural with themes of guilt, madness, and death. These gothic tales highlight the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown, creating a sense of dread and mystery for the reader.
As we analyze these works, we can see how the concept of the monster and the supernatural has shifted from external threats to internal struggles, from physical manifestations to psychological terrors. Each author has explored this theme in a unique and thought-provoking way, revealing the evolution of societies' fears and desires.
In order to further explore this topic, it would be beneficial to incorporate outside sources to aid in your writing. For example, a study on the evolution of the monster in literature over time could provide valuable insights into how these creatures have been portrayed and interpreted throughout history. Additionally, analyzing the influence of classic works on modern authors, such as the impact of "Beowulf" on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," could offer a new perspective on how literature inspires creativity and innovation.
By incorporating a minimum of five reputable sources in your MLA formatted Works Cited Page and including MLA format In-Text Citations in your paper from each source, you can strengthen your analysis and provide a well-rounded discussion of how the idea of the monster and the supernatural has evolved in the works we have studied this year.