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
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.
5 Works Cited Page
Minimum of 5 Paragraphs (Intro, 3 Body Paragraphs, Conclusion) with at least five sentences in each paragraph
The idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year. In the works of Coolidge and Blake, the supernatural is often associated with fear and terror. In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coolidge, the monster takes the form of a ghostly figure that brings death and destruction to the sailors on the ship. This reflects the common belief of the time that the supernatural was something to be feared and avoided at all costs. Similarly, in Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper," the supernatural is depicted as a dark and malevolent force that preys on the innocence of children. This reflects the oppressive and fearful atmosphere of the Industrial Revolution, where the supernatural was often seen as a threat to the stability and order of society.
In contrast, in the works of Williams and Shelly, the idea of the monster/supernatural is more nuanced and complex. In Williams' "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud," the supernatural is depicted as a source of inspiration and beauty. The speaker is uplifted and rejuvenated by the presence of the natural world, which is portrayed as a magical and mystical force. This reflects a shift in the perception of the supernatural from something to be feared to something to be embraced and celebrated.
Similarly, in Shelly's "Frankenstein," the monster is not simply a terrifying and evil creature, but a complex and tragic figure. The monster is rejected by society and driven to acts of violence, not out of inherent malice, but out of a desperate desire for acceptance and love. This work challenges traditional notions of the monster as a purely malevolent force and explores the humanity and vulnerability of these supernatural beings.
Overall, the idea of the monster/supernatural has evolved throughout the time periods and works we have studied this year. From being a feared and malevolent force in the works of Coolidge and Blake, to a source of beauty and inspiration in the works of Williams, and a complex and tragic figure in Shelly's "Frankenstein," the monster/supernatural has been portrayed in a variety of ways that reflect the changing attitudes and beliefs of society. Through these works, we can see how the concept of the monster/supernatural has evolved and transformed over time.