How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
5 work cite pages
Citations All facts, statistics, and quotes are followed by an in-text citation in proper MLA format.
William blake
The tyger
The lamb
The chimney sweeper
Wordsworth
Sonnet the world is to much with us
I wandered lonley as a cloud
Coolridge
Coolridge samuel taylor
The rime of ancient mariner
Kubla khan the rime of the ancient mariner
Mary shelly
frankenstein
Throughout the time periods and works studied this year, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved from being a symbol of fear and evil to a more complex and nuanced portrayal. In William Blake's poems "The Tyger" and "The Lamb," the idea of the supernatural is depicted as a powerful and mysterious force that inspires awe and fear in humans (Blake). The dark and menacing image of the tiger in "The Tyger" represents the darker aspects of humanity, while the gentle lamb in "The Lamb" symbolizes innocence and purity (Blake).
In Wordsworth's works such as "Sonnet: The World is Too Much with Us" and "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," the supernatural is portrayed as a source of solace and inspiration in a world filled with materialism and greed (Wordsworth). The speaker in "Sonnet" laments the loss of connection with nature, while the speaker in "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" finds joy and comfort in the beauty of nature (Wordsworth).
Coleridge's poems "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan" further explore the complexity of the supernatural and the monstrous. In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the supernatural is depicted as a punishment for human greed and arrogance, while in "Kubla Khan," the supernatural is a source of inspiration and creativity (Coleridge).
Mary Shelley's novel "Frankenstein" takes the idea of the supernatural and the monstrous to new heights, exploring themes of morality, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god (Shelley). The monster in "Frankenstein" is not just a creature of horror, but a complex and sympathetic figure who grapples with issues of identity and belonging (Shelley).
Overall, the evolution of the idea of the monster/supernatural in the works studied this year reflects a shift from simplistic stereotypes to more nuanced and multifaceted portrayals that challenge traditional notions of good and evil. (Coleridge)