frankenstein
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year
The introduction provides a strong opening and includes the thesis statement.
The body closely follows points listed in the outline.
Sources are referenced or quoted.
Counterarguments are presented and refuted, if applicable.
Appropriate transitions are used.
The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes findings.
Tone is consistent throughout the paper.
Throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, the idea of the monster or supernatural has evolved significantly. In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the creature is initially portrayed as a grotesque and terrifying being, but as the novel progresses, the reader begins to see the creature's humanity and capacity for emotion. This evolution challenges the traditional notions of monsters as purely evil and serves as a commentary on the dangers of playing god.
In Gothic literature, such as Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Black Cat," the supernatural is often used to convey themes of guilt, paranoia, and madness. The presence of ghosts, hauntings, and other supernatural elements serves to heighten the sense of unease and contribute to the psychological tension of the stories.
In more contemporary works, such as Neil Gaiman's "American Gods," the concept of the supernatural is intertwined with themes of mythology, religion, and the power of belief. The gods and mythological creatures that exist in the modern world challenge the boundaries between reality and fantasy, blurring the lines between the natural and the supernatural.
Overall, the evolution of the monster and supernatural in literature reflects changing societal beliefs and fears. While early works may have focused on monsters as physical embodiments of evil, more recent works explore the complexities of human nature and the blurred boundaries between the natural and the supernatural. As our understanding of the world and ourselves continues to evolve, so too does our perception of what lies beyond the realm of the ordinary.