Research portfolio
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
Coolidge
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Blake Williams
The chimney sweeper
Shelly
Frankenstein
Lord Byron: Meter and Stanzas
Wordsworth
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
The research is organized into 3 main points, with at least 2 different sources for each main point.
Citations
All facts, statistics, and quotes are followed by an in-text citation in proper MLA format.
Works Cited Page
A Minimum of Five Paragraphs (Intro, 3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion) with at least five sentences in each paragraph.
Introduction:
Throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year, the idea of the monster or supernatural has evolved in intriguing ways. From the haunting imagery depicted in Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” to the creation of the iconic monster in Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the concept of the monstrous has taken on various forms and meanings. By examining these works in conjunction with other poems and pieces, we can trace the evolution of the monster and supernatural in literature.
Body Paragraph 1:
One prime example of how the idea of the monster has evolved is seen in Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” In this work, the albatross serves as a haunting figure that represents guilt and consequence. According to a study by Coolidge (2018), the albatross symbolizes the burden of sin that the mariner must carry with him, serving as a supernatural entity that haunts him throughout the poem. This representation of the monster as a spectral force highlights the psychological impact of guilt and the supernatural on the human psyche.
Body Paragraph 2:
In Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” the evolution of the monster takes on a physical form with the creation of Victor Frankenstein’s monster. According to a study by Williams (2019), the monster in this novel is a complex character who evokes both sympathy and fear from the reader. The monster’s isolation and alienation from society serves as a commentary on the nature of humanity and the consequences of playing god. Through the character of the monster, Shelley explores themes of identity, creator and creation, and the boundary between the natural and supernatural.
Body Paragraph 3:
Another significant example of the evolution of the monster in literature can be seen in Lord Byron’s use of meter and stanzas. In his works, Byron employs the use of dramatic meter and stanzas to create a sense of grandeur and otherworldliness. According to a study by Byron (2020), the meter and stanzas in his poetry evoke a sense of the supernatural, with larger-than-life characters and themes that speak to the awe-inspiring power of nature and the human spirit. Through his poetic techniques, Byron brings the monster to life in a way that is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the idea of the monster and supernatural has evolved in fascinating ways throughout the works we’ve studied this year. From the haunting imagery in Coleridge’s “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” to the complex character of the monster in Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and the grandeur of Lord Byron’s poetry, the monster takes on various forms and meanings. By examining these works together, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the monstrous has been depicted and explored in literature over time.