in text works citation
The concept of the monster/supernatural has been a recurring theme in literature throughout various time periods. In this research draft paper, we will explore how this idea has evolved in the works of William Blake, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, John Keats, Jane Austen, and Mary Shelley. By studying their works, we will analyze how the representation of monsters and supernatural beings has changed over time and how they are used to convey different themes and messages.
William Blake:
William Blake’s works, such as “The Tyger,” “The Lamb,” and “The Chimney Sweeper,” often include elements of the supernatural. In “The Tyger,” for example, the creature is depicted as a powerful, almost otherworldly force, representing both awe and fear. Meanwhile, “The Lamb” presents a more innocent and gentle supernatural being, embodying themes of innocence and purity. The presence of supernatural elements in Blake’s poetry serves to emphasize the contrast between good and evil, light and dark.
William Wordsworth:
In Wordsworth’s poetry, such as “Sonnet: The World Is Too Much With Us” and “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” the supernatural is often portrayed through the beauty of nature. Wordsworth’s nature imagery is almost mystical, evoking a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. The supernatural elements in his works serve to highlight the connection between humanity and the natural world, emphasizing the power of nature to inspire and uplift.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge:
Coleridge’s works, such as “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan,” feature supernatural beings and events that blur the line between reality and fantasy. In “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” for example, the eerie presence of the albatross and the ghostly ship symbolize guilt and redemption. Meanwhile, “Kubla Khan” explores dreamlike imagery and fantastical landscapes, creating a sense of the mysterious and unknown.
Lord Byron:
Lord Byron’s poem “For Music” delves into the supernatural elements of music and its power to evoke emotions and states of mind beyond the physical realm. The stanza and meter of the poem create a hypnotic and almost otherworldly effect, drawing the reader into a realm of heightened emotion and imagination.
Percy Shelley:
Shelley’s works, such as “Ode to the West Wind” and “To a Skylark,” also explore the supernatural through elements of nature and the elements. “Ode to the West Wind” showcases the power and volatility of the wind, symbolizing change and transformation. Meanwhile, “To a Skylark” celebrates the beauty and freedom of the natural world, portraying the skylark as a supernatural being capable of transcending earthly limitations.
John Keats:
In Keats’ poetry, such as “On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer,” “When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be,” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” the supernatural is often intertwined with themes of beauty, mortality, and art. Keats’ exploration of the supernatural elements in his works reflects his fascination with the eternal and the transcendent, as well as his preoccupation with the fleeting nature of life and beauty.
Jane Austen:
While Jane Austen’s novels, such as “Pride and Prejudice,” do not typically feature supernatural beings or events, they offer a different perspective on the idea of the monster. In Austen’s works, monsters are often portrayed through human flaws and follies, such as pride, prejudice, and vanity. By exploring the complexities of human nature, Austen sheds light on the dark and often monstrous aspects of society and relationships.
Mary Shelley:
Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” is perhaps one of the most famous examples of the evolution of the monster in literature. The creature in “Frankenstein” is a complex and sympathetic figure, reflecting themes of loneliness, alienation, and humanity. Through the character of the monster, Shelley explores the dark side of human ambition and the consequences of playing god.
Conclusion:
Through our analysis of the works of William Blake, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, John Keats, Jane Austen, and Mary Shelley, we have seen how the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved over time and how it is used to convey different themes and messages. From the innocent and gentle creatures of Blake to the dark and tortured figures of Shelley, the representation of monsters and supernatural beings continues to captivate readers and offer insights into the human experience. As literature continues to evolve, so too will the portrayal of the monster and the supernatural, reflecting the ever-changing complexities of life and society.
Works Cited:
- Blake, William. "The Tyger."
- Blake, William. "The Lamb."
- Blake, William. "The Chimney Sweeper."
- Wordsworth, William. "Sonnet: The World Is Too Much With Us."
- Wordsworth, William. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud."
- Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner."
- Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "Kubla Khan."
- Byron, Lord. "For Music."
- Shelley, Percy. "Ode to the West Wind."
- Shelley, Percy. "To a Skylark."
- Keats, John. "On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer."
- Keats, John. "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be."
- Keats, John. "Ode on a Grecian Urn."
- Shelley, Mary. "Frankenstein."