5 MLA CITATIONS
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.
1. Blake, William. "The Tyger." Songs of Experience. London: W. Blake, 1794. Print.
2. Wordsworth, William. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." Lyrical Ballads. London: J. & A. Arch, 1798. Print.
3. Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Lyrical Ballads. London: J. & A. Arch, 1798. Print.
4. Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, 1818. Print.
5. Byron, Lord. Manfred. London:John Murray, 1817. Print.