FINAL RESEARCH PAPER
By examining the portrayal of monsters and the supernatural in the works of William Blake, Mary Shelley, and other authors we have studied, we can see how these representations have shifted from symbols of evil and fear to reflections of societal anxieties and critiques of human nature. This evolution highlights the enduring fascination with the unknown and the monstrous, as well as the ways in which these creatures continue to hold a mirror up to humanity's deepest fears and desires.
2. Body Paragraph 1:
- Topic Sentence: In William Blake's "The Tyger," the tiger symbolizes the fearsome and uncontrollable aspects of nature, serving as a representation of the monstrous and supernatural.
- Analysis of the text: By juxtaposing the tiger with the lamb in his poem, Blake explores the duality of existence and the coexistence of good and evil in the natural world.
- Connection to society: The tiger can be seen as a reflection of the fears and anxieties that were prevalent during Blake's time, such as the Industrial Revolution and the loss of innocence in society.
3. Body Paragraph 2:
- Topic Sentence: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein portrays the monster as a tragic figure, challenging traditional notions of good and evil.
- Analysis of the text: The monster's isolation and longing for companionship humanize him, making readers question who the real monster is in the story.
- Connection to society: Shelley's novel critiques the arrogance of the scientific community and the consequences of playing god, reflecting the fears and uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.
4. Body Paragraph 3:
- Topic Sentence: The supernatural in Edgar Allan Poe's works serves as a macabre exploration of the human psyche and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.
- Analysis of the text: Poe's use of unreliable narrators and eerie settings create a sense of unease and uncertainty, blurring the boundaries between what is real and what is supernatural.
- Connection to society: Poe's stories reflect the growing interest in the macabre and the unknown during the Romantic period, as well as the fascination with death and the afterlife.
5. Conclusion:
- Restate thesis: Throughout the works of William Blake, Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and other authors, the portrayal of monsters and the supernatural has evolved to reflect changing societal beliefs and fears.
- Summary of key points: From Blake's exploration of nature and duality to Shelley's critique of science and humanity, and Poe's macabre tales of the supernatural, these authors have used monsters and the supernatural to engage with the darker aspects of human nature and society.
- Final thoughts: The enduring fascination with monsters and the supernatural in literature demonstrates our ongoing desire to confront our fears and uncertainties, as well as our capacity for empathy and understanding of the monstrous within ourselves.
Transition Word: In addition,
Main Point #2: The portrayal of monsters in literature reflects societal fears and anxieties.
1st Piece of Evidence: In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, the monster is described as a terrifying and abhorrent creature. "I never beheld anything so utterly destroyed" (Shelley, 121).
Explanation of Evidence: This quote shows how the monster is depicted as a source of horror and repulsion, reflecting the fear of the unknown and the consequences of scientific experimentation.
2nd Piece of Evidence: According to Deborah J. Riggan, "The monster is the living manifestation of the unknown, the Other, the source of psychic unease and fear" (Riggan, 43).
Explanation of Evidence: This statement supports the idea that monsters in literature serve as representations of societal anxieties and fears. Just like in Frankenstein, the monster embodies societal fears of the unknown and the consequences of human ambition.
- Transition Word: Additionally
- Main Point #3: The portrayal of the monster/supernatural in literature reflects societal fears and anxieties.
- 1st Piece of Evidence: In Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," the monster is initially depicted as a terrifying and monstrous being, reflecting the fear of the unknown and the consequences of playing god.
- Explanation of Evidence: As the novel progresses, however, Shelley humanizes the monster, showing that it is capable of love and emotion. This shift in perception challenges the reader's initial fears and invites them to question their own prejudices.
- 2nd Piece of Evidence: Similarly, in Bram Stoker's "Dracula," the vampire represents fears of sexuality and foreign influences infiltrating society.
- Explanation of Evidence: Stoker's novel serves as a warning against the dangers of the unknown and the importance of traditional values. Both "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" use the monster/supernatural as a vehicle to explore and critique societal fears and anxieties, showcasing how these themes have evolved over time
Explanation of Evidence: This source supports the idea that the monster/supernatural often serves as a reflection of society's fears and anxieties. Just as the monster in "Frankenstein" represents the dangers of playing god, the creature in Blake's poem symbolizes the evils that lurk in the shadows.
In conclusion, the monster/supernatural figure in literature has served as a powerful symbol of societal fears and anxieties throughout history. By analyzing works such as those of William Blake and Mary Shelley, we can gain insight into the changing perceptions of the monstrous and supernatural in literature and society. This research paper has explored how these figures have been used to reflect and critique the fears of their respective time periods, and how they continue to resonate with readers today.