Research portfolio
How does the idea of the monster / supernatural evolve throughout the time periods and works we’ve studied this year?
Coolidge
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
Blake Williams
The chimney sweeper
Shelly
Frankenstein
Lord Byron: Meter and Stanzas
Wordsworth
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
Topic
The paper is about one of the provided topics. There is a clear and arguable thesis. The topic and 3 main points are made clear in the introduction.
Organization
The research is organized into 3 main points, with at least 2 different sources for each main point.
Citations
All facts, statistics, and quotes are followed by an in-text citation in proper MLA format.
Works Cited Page
Voice
All writing is in 3rd person, with no references to the essay.
Length
A Minimum of Five Paragraphs (Intro, 3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion) with at least five sentences in each paragraph.
Format
The essay follows the rules for MLA format.
Introduction:
The concept of the monster/supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, including Coolidge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," Blake Williams' "The chimney sweeper," Shelley's "Frankenstein," Lord Byron's Meter and Stanzas, and Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." This research will explore how the idea of the monster and supernatural has changed over time, focusing on three main points.
Body Paragraph 1:
One of the ways in which the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved is through the portrayal of the supernatural entities in literature. In Coolidge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," we see a supernatural being in the form of the albatross, which brings both luck and doom to the sailors. Similarly, in Shelley's "Frankenstein," the monster created by Victor Frankenstein is a product of supernatural processes and scientific experimentation. These examples demonstrate how the representation of the supernatural has changed over time, from mythical creatures to science fiction creations.
Body Paragraph 2:
Another aspect of the evolution of the monster/supernatural theme is the role of the monster as a symbol of society's fears and anxieties. In Blake Williams' "The chimney sweeper," the child chimney sweepers are depicted as monstrous figures, highlighting the harsh realities of child labor and exploitation. Similarly, in Lord Byron's Meter and Stanzas, the dark and brooding atmosphere reflects the fears and uncertainties of the Romantic period. These examples show how the monster/supernatural can be used as a metaphor for societal issues and concerns.
Body Paragraph 3:
The final point of evolution in the monster/supernatural theme is the portrayal of the monster as a complex and empathetic character. In Shelley's "Frankenstein," the monster is not just a mindless creature, but a being capable of emotions and desires. This complexity adds depth to the character and challenges traditional notions of good and evil. Likewise, in Wordsworth's "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," the speaker's encounter with nature and the supernatural evokes a sense of wonder and awe, highlighting the beauty and mystery of the natural world. These examples illustrate how the monster/supernatural can be humanized and portrayed in a more nuanced light.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year. From mythical creatures to symbolic entities, from societal fears to complex characters, the monster/supernatural theme has taken on new meanings and interpretations. By examining these changes, we can better understand how literature reflects and shapes our perceptions of the supernatural world.