research paper
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
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
Lord bryon
For music
Stanza and meter
Percy dhelly
Odento the west wind
To a sky lark
John keats
On first looking into chapmans homer
When I have fears that I may cease to be
Ode in a grecian urn
Jane austen
Pride and prejudice
Mary shelly
frankenstein
5 sourses works cited pages
The concept of the monster and the supernatural has been a prevalent theme throughout literature, often used as a metaphor for human fears, desires, or societal issues. In the works we have studied this year, ranging from the Romantic period to the early 19th century, the idea of the monster and the supernatural has evolved in various ways.
William Blake, a prominent Romantic poet and artist, explored the idea of the monster in his works such as "The Tyger" and "The Chimney Sweeper." In these poems, Blake uses the image of the tyger and the chimney sweeper to symbolize the dark and oppressive aspects of society, reflecting the fears and anxieties of the time.
In contrast, Blake's "The Lamb" presents a more innocent and gentle portrayal of the supernatural, emphasizing the divine and spiritual nature of the world. This suggests a dualistic view of the monster, highlighting both its terrifying and comforting aspects.
Similarly, Wordsworth and Coleridge, two other major Romantic poets, also delved into the theme of the supernatural in their works. Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" reflects a sense of awe and wonder towards nature, portraying it as a sublime and almost mystical force. Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" explores the consequences of supernatural intervention, showing how a seemingly harmless act can unleash a chain of events with monstrous consequences.
Moving into the 19th century, Lord Byron's "Manfred" and Percy Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind" both deal with themes of mortality and the supernatural. Byron's protagonist in "Manfred" grapples with his own guilt and inner demons, while Shelley's speaker in "Ode to the West Wind" seeks transformation and renewal through the power of nature.
Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is perhaps the most famous exploration of the monster in literature, delving into themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god. Through the character of the monster, Shelley challenges the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity, questioning who the real monster is in a society that fears the unknown and the Other.
Overall, the idea of the monster and the supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied, reflecting changing attitudes towards nature, society, and the human condition. From the Romantic period to the early 19th century, these works continue to provoke thought and reflection on the complexities of the monstrous and the supernatural in literature and culture.