How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
The Tyger
The lamb
The chimney sweeper
Coleridge Samuel Taylor
The rime of ancient mariner
Kubla Khan the rime of the ancient mariner
Frankenstein
Minimum of 5 sources in your MLA formatted Works Cited Page
MLA format In-Text Citations in your paper from each source
RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
Throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, the idea of the monster or supernatural has evolved significantly. In William Blake's poems "The Tyger" and "The Lamb," the concept of the supernatural is explored through contrasting images of good and evil. In "The Tyger," the speaker wonders about the creation of a ferocious and powerful creature, while in "The Lamb," the innocent and gentle nature of the lamb symbolizes purity and goodness.
Similarly, in William Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper," the supernatural is depicted through the perspective of a young chimney sweep who encounters angels in a dream. The idea of divine intervention and protection is presented in contrast to the harsh reality of the sweep's life.
Moving into the Romantic period, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" delves into the supernatural with its tale of a cursed sailor and his encounter with ghostly figures and a spectral ship. The poem explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of nature, blending elements of the supernatural with moral lessons.
In Coleridge's "Kubla Khan," the supernatural is depicted through vivid imagery and dreamlike landscapes, evoking a sense of mystery and otherworldly beauty. The poem explores the power of the imagination and the transcendent nature of art and creativity.
Lastly, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" presents a complex portrayal of the monster in its tale of a scientist who creates a living being out of dead body parts. The novel challenges traditional notions of monstrosity and explores themes of humanity, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god.
Overall, the evolution of the monster or supernatural in the works we have studied reflects changing attitudes towards the unknown, the divine, and the power of imagination throughout different time periods.
Works Cited:
Blake, William. "The Tyger." The Songs of Experience. 1794.
Blake, William. "The Lamb." The Songs of Innocence. 1789.
Blake, William. "The Chimney Sweeper." The Songs of Experience. 1794.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." 1798.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "Kubla Khan." 1816.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. 1818.