How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
Complete a Graphic Organizer
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook -should be a sentence or two - general, interesting statement about the topic
Connecting Sentence(s) - could be background information about your topic
Thesis - the argument you are making about your topic
3 MAIN POINTS - you will use to support your thesis. (These points should be sentences).
Supporting Paragraph 1:
Transition Word
Main Point #1
1st Piece of Evidence
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
2nd Piece of Evidence (needs to be from a different source than 1st piece of evidence)
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
Supporting Paragraph 2:
Transition Word
Main Point #2
1st Piece of Evidence
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
2nd Piece of Evidence (needs to be from a different source than 1st piece of evidence)
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
Supporting Paragraph 3:
Transition Word
Main Point #3
1st Piece of Evidence
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
2nd Piece of Evidence (needs to be from a different source than 1st piece of evidence)
Explanation of Evidence in your own words (how does it support your thesis?)
Conclusion:
Transition Word + Restate your thesis:
Summarize Your 3 Main Points
Connect Everything to the BIG PICTURE - Why does it matter? What lesson can be learned?
Introductory Paragraph:
Hook: The idea of monsters and the supernatural has been a fascination in literature and culture for centuries.
Connecting Sentence: Throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year, the portrayal of monsters and supernatural beings has evolved significantly.
Thesis: The idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved from being purely feared and villainized to being more complex and multifaceted in its representation in literature.
3 MAIN POINTS:
1. In early literature, monsters were often seen as pure evil and were used to instill fear in readers.
2. As time progressed, the idea of monsters evolved to include more depth and complexity in their characterization.
3. In modern literature, monsters are often portrayed as misunderstood or even sympathetic figures, challenging traditional perceptions of good vs. evil.
Supporting Paragraph 1:
Transition Word: Initially
Main Point #1: In early literature, monsters were often seen as pure evil and were used to instill fear in readers.
1st Piece of Evidence: In Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein," the creature Victor Frankenstein creates is portrayed as a terrifying and vengeful monster.
Explanation of Evidence: This supports the thesis by showing how monsters were initially portrayed as purely evil beings meant to evoke fear in readers.
2nd Piece of Evidence: In Bram Stoker’s "Dracula," the titular character is depicted as a bloodthirsty vampire who preys on innocent victims.
Explanation of Evidence: This further illustrates the point that in early literature, monsters were often one-dimensional villains meant to scare audiences.
Supporting Paragraph 2:
Transition Word: However
Main Point #2: As time progressed, the idea of monsters evolved to include more depth and complexity in their characterization.
1st Piece of Evidence: In Anne Rice’s "Interview with the Vampire," the vampire Lestat is portrayed as a complex character with both good and evil qualities.
Explanation of Evidence: This shows how monsters began to be depicted with more depth and complexity, challenging traditional notions of good and evil.
2nd Piece of Evidence: In Angela Carter’s "The Bloody Chamber," the figure of the werewolf is used as a symbol of desire and transformation rather than just as a monster to be feared.
Explanation of Evidence: This further demonstrates how the portrayal of monsters evolved to include more nuanced and multifaceted representations.
Supporting Paragraph 3:
Transition Word: In contrast
Main Point #3: In modern literature, monsters are often portrayed as misunderstood or even sympathetic figures, challenging traditional perceptions of good vs. evil.
1st Piece of Evidence: In Stephenie Meyer’s "Twilight" series, the vampire Edward Cullen is presented as a conflicted character who struggles with his own nature.
Explanation of Evidence: This challenges the traditional dichotomy of monsters as purely evil beings, showing them as more complex and relatable figures.
2nd Piece of Evidence: In Guillermo del Toro’s film "The Shape of Water," the amphibious creature is portrayed as a misunderstood and sympathetic being.
Explanation of Evidence: This highlights how modern literature and media often portray monsters in a more empathetic light, blurring the lines between good and evil.
Conclusion:
Transition Word + Restate your thesis: In conclusion, the portrayal of monsters and the supernatural has evolved from being purely feared and villainized to being more complex and multifaceted in its representation in literature.
Summarize Your 3 Main Points: From early depictions of monsters as pure evil beings meant to scare audiences, to more nuanced and complex representations in later works, to modern portrayals that challenge traditional perceptions of good and evil, the evolution of the monster/supernatural concept has been significant.
Connect Everything to the BIG PICTURE - Why does it matter? What lesson can be learned? The evolution of the monster/supernatural concept in literature reflects society's changing attitudes towards otherness, empathy, and the complexities of human nature. By exploring the depths of these characters, readers and audiences can learn valuable lessons about acceptance, understanding, and the blurred lines between good and evil.