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
Citations
All facts, statistics, and quotes are followed by an in-text citation in proper MLA format.
Works Cited Page
A Minimum of Five Paragraphs (Intro, 3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion) with at least five sentences in each paragraph
Introduction
Throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year, the idea of the monster or supernatural has evolved in various ways. From Coolidge's exploration of the monstrous in his poetry to Shelley's creation of the iconic monster in Frankenstein, we have seen different interpretations and representations of the supernatural. In this research portfolio, we will delve into how these depictions have changed over time and how they reflect the cultural and societal beliefs of each period.
Body Paragraphs
In Coolidge's work, we see a fascination with the monstrous and supernatural that is rooted in the Romantic tradition. In poems such as "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "The chimney sweeper," the supernatural is often used as a metaphor for the darker aspects of human nature. Coolidge explores the idea of guilt and redemption through the portrayal of supernatural beings and events, reflecting the Romantic emphasis on emotion, imagination, and the natural world.
Moving on to Shelley's Frankenstein, we see a different interpretation of the monster and the supernatural. In this novel, the monster is created by a scientist and is a product of man's ambition and desire to play god. The monster is not inherently evil, but becomes monstrous due to the rejection and mistreatment by society. Shelley's novel challenges traditional notions of the supernatural by portraying the monster as a sympathetic and complex character, prompting readers to question their preconceived notions of what it means to be monstrous.
Lord Byron's exploration of meter and stanzas in his poetry also plays a role in shaping the representation of the supernatural. By experimenting with different poetic forms and structures, Byron is able to create a sense of mystery and otherness in his works. The supernatural is often depicted as a force that is beyond human comprehension, highlighting the limitations of reason and logic in understanding the world.
In Wordsworth's poetry, such as "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," we see a shift towards a more transcendental interpretation of the supernatural. Wordsworth's nature poetry celebrates the beauty and wonder of the natural world, portraying it as a source of solace, inspiration, and spiritual connection. The supernatural, in this context, is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as a part of the larger cosmic order.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idea of the monster and the supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year. From Coolidge's exploration of guilt and redemption to Shelley's complex portrayal of the monster in Frankenstein, we see different interpretations of the supernatural that reflect the changing cultural and societal beliefs of each period. Through the works of Lord Byron and Wordsworth, we also see how the supernatural is depicted as a mysterious and awe-inspiring force that transcends human understanding. Overall, the evolution of the monster and the supernatural in literature reflects the ongoing fascination with the unknown and the supernatural in human imagination and storytelling.