How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year
William blake
The tyger
The lamb
The chimney sweeper
Coolridge
Coolridge samuel taylor
The rime of ancient mariner
Kubla khan the rime of the ancient mariner
Mary shelly
Frankenstein
6 work cite pages MLA format
followed by 6 in-text citation in proper MLA format
Throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, the idea of the monster and supernatural has evolved in various ways. In William Blake's works such as "The Tyger," "The Lamb," and "The Chimney Sweeper," the supernatural is often portrayed as mysterious and powerful, embodying both beauty and terror. In Coleridge's works like "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan," the supernatural is depicted as otherworldly and surreal, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" takes a different approach to the idea of the monster by exploring themes of isolation, ambition, and the consequences of playing god.
In "The Tyger," Blake presents the tiger as a monstrous and fearsome creature, symbolizing the dark side of nature. The poem raises questions about the existence of evil and the creator responsible for such a powerful being. The supernatural is also present in "The Lamb," where Blake contrasts the innocence of the lamb with the more sinister imagery of the tiger. The Chimney Sweeper" explores the suffering of child laborers and the injustices they face, suggesting that the real monsters are the societal structures that exploit and abuse them.
Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" delves into the supernatural through the tale of a cursed mariner who must face the consequences of his actions. The poem is filled with supernatural elements such as ghosts, spirits, and mythical creatures, emphasizing the consequences of disturbing the natural order. "Kubla Khan" presents a dream-like vision of a fantastical landscape, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" introduces a different perspective on the idea of the monster by focusing on the created rather than the creator. The novel explores the implications of playing god and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The monster in "Frankenstein" is not inherently evil but becomes monstrous through rejection and isolation, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be a monster.
Overall, the idea of the monster and supernatural has evolved throughout the works we have studied, from Blake's ambiguously powerful creatures to Coleridge's surreal and mythical beings, and ultimately to Shelley's introspective exploration of the monster within humanity.
References:
Blake, William. "The Tyger." Songs of Experience. 1794.
Blake, William. "The Lamb." Songs of Innocence. 1789.
Blake, William. "The Chimney Sweeper." Songs of Experience. 1794.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." 1798.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "Kubla Khan." 1816.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. 1818.
In-text citations:
(Blake, "The Tyger")
(Blake, "The Lamb")
(Blake, "The Chimney Sweeper")
(Coleridge, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner")
(Coleridge, "Kubla Khan")
(Shelley, Frankenstein)