MONSTERS

Key Terms Archetype- pattern or model that serves as the basis for all future related versions (characters, plots, etc.) Motif- a recurring pattern that is universal (hero quests, great flood stories, good vs evil) Epic- long, narrative poem that tells the deeds of a larger-than-life hero (who represents the ideals and values of his culture)

Many cultures believe in the existence of monsters, demons, and other such creatures. While most of us consider the notion of their existence unlikely, belief in monsters is not necessarily an unreasonable belief, which is supported culturally and sometimes scientifically.

What is a monster? The Oxford English Dictionary lists five definitions for monster: 1. Something extraordinary or unnatural; a prodigy, a marvel. 2. An animal or plant deviating in one or more of its parts from the normal type; spec., an animal afflicted with some congenital malformation; a misshapen birth, an abortion. 3. An imaginary animal (such as the centaur, sphinx, minotaur, or the heraldic griffin, wyvern, etc.) having a form either partly brute and partly human, or compounded of elements from two or more animal forms. 4. A person of inhuman and horrible cruelty or wickedness; a monstrous example of (wickedness, or some particular vice). 5. An animal of huge size; hence, anything of vast and unwieldy proportions.

Why do monsters exist in stories? For good to exist, there must be an evil counterpart; without evil, good cannot be defined. Characters in stories represent real life in some way. We must be able to celebrate the deeds of our heroes (who represent what is good), so they must have something to fight against. The monster is usually the final obstacle (and represents what is evil). Evil exists in the real world and it is represented by anything that could create fear in people.

Origin of Monsters in Britain: WAVES OF SETTLERS AND INVADERS

Monsters in Beowulf Grendel Grendel’s Mother The Dragon monster with animal features, but human emotions (loneliness, aggression, jealousy) an outcast; shows no remorse; could be a servant from Hell represents the marauding invaders of the time period in Britain who are merciless and who seek to satisfy their own needs (invades at night) Grendel’s Mother represents evil from an underworld/Hell and vengance Beowulf must descend into the dark depths to battle her; the battle takes place in a ring of fire The Dragon represents greed and evil in the form of a serpent (wyrm) breathes fire Christian representative of sin

Why do monsters exist in our minds? Childhood fears begin many monsters. Think about fears of the Sandman, the Boogeyman, the monster in the closet/under the bed. Darkness brings mystery, fear, a sense of danger. Monsters usually lurk in the darkness. It could be said that darkness is comparable to the parts of our mind that we cannot fully understand.

Monsters in Society There has always been another group, race, or nationality that has existed in opposition to our own. They have either brought harm or just merely threatened it. Sometimes the threat is overstated as a cause for action. Sometimes the threat is real. Modern Examples Early-to-mid 1900s = Nazis and the Japanese (WWII) Mid-to-late 1900s = Communists (“Red Scare”) 2000s = Terrorists

Do we have a need for monsters? Are monsters created for control over a group? (citizens, children, audience, etc.) Do we need to fight against something? (if the current “baddies” didn’t exist, would new ones be created?) Do we create something negative to put ourselves in a more positive light?

Famous Monsters FICTIONAL REAL Dracula Frankenstein’s monster Bigfoot/Sasquatch Loch Ness Monster Grendel Medusa Monsters, Inc. Dragons Zombies REAL Adolf Hitler (Nazis) Joseph Stalin (Communists) Osama Bin Laden KKK Charles Manson School/Theater Shooters Serial Killers/Child Molesters Sharks/Alligators/Snakes Zombies (?)

ESSAY "Yes or No—Do monsters exist?" Write an essay defending your contention. Consider: Why monsters exist in stories What monsters in stories represent as a whole The “need” for monsters in society and in our imagination Examples of monsters from your childhood Examples of the way we see monsters in our society