The Tyger
The lamb
The rime of ancient mariner
Kubla Khan
the rime of the ancient mariner
Frankenstein
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year? Writing a Research Paper Final
Minimum of 5 sources in your MLA formatted Works Cited Page
MLA format In-Text Citations in your paper from each source
Throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved in various ways. From William Blake's "The Tyger" and "The Lamb" to Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Kubla Khan," the concept of the supernatural and monstrous has shifted and transformed.
In William Blake's poems, "The Tyger" and "The Lamb," the idea of the monster is depicted as a powerful and fearsome force in nature. Blake explores the duality of the natural world, showing how both innocence and experience coexist. The Tyger, with its fiery eyes and burning fur, represents the destructive and fierce aspects of the natural world. Meanwhile, the Lamb symbolizes innocence and purity, contrasting with the monstrous nature of the Tyger.
Similarly, in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the supernatural is portrayed as a malevolent force that brings about consequences for mankind. The Ancient Mariner's encounter with the ghostly ship and its crew serves as a warning of the repercussions of interfering with nature. Coleridge's depiction of the supernatural in this poem highlights themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of nature.
In "Kubla Khan," Coleridge delves into the realm of the supernatural through the vivid imagery of the dreamlike landscape of Xanadu. The poem explores themes of creativity, imagination, and the transcendent power of art. The supernatural elements in "Kubla Khan" serve to evoke a sense of wonder and mystery, inviting the reader to contemplate the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
Moving into the 19th century, Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" further explores the concept of the monstrous and supernatural. Through the creation of the creature by Victor Frankenstein, Shelley delves into themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god. The creature, initially portrayed as monstrous and horrific, evolves into a complex and sympathetic character, challenging the reader's perceptions of what it means to be human.
Overall, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, from William Blake's exploration of innocence and experience to Mary Shelley's examination of humanity and creation. These works continue to inspire debate and discussion on the nature of the monstrous and supernatural in literature.
Works Cited:
Blake, William. "The Tyger." Songs of Experience. 1794.
Blake, William. "The Lamb." Songs of Innocence. 1789.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." 1798.
Coleridge, Samuel Taylor. "Kubla Khan." 1816.
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. 1818.