Supernatural beings

Definition

Supernatural beings refer to entities that transcend the laws of nature and possess abilities beyond human comprehension, often associated with mystical or otherworldly powers. These beings frequently evoke feelings of wonder, fear, or the uncanny, challenging the boundaries of reality and prompting exploration into themes of existence, morality, and the human psyche.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Supernatural beings have played a significant role in literature throughout history, often serving as symbols for deeper moral and existential questions.
2. These entities can take various forms, including gods, demons, spirits, and mythical creatures, each representing different aspects of human fears and desires.
3. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the fascination with the supernatural was fueled by romanticism and gothic literature, which sought to explore the unknown and the uncanny.
4. The portrayal of supernatural beings often reflects societal anxieties, such as fears of death, loss, and the unknown, revealing insights into cultural psychology.
5. In many literary works, supernatural beings are used to challenge rationality and provoke doubt about the nature of reality, blurring the line between what is real and what is imagined.

Review Questions

• How do supernatural beings serve as symbols in literature, particularly in terms of moral and existential themes?
  • Supernatural beings often embody complex moral dilemmas and existential questions faced by characters in literature. For example, a ghost might represent unresolved guilt or a longing for redemption, while a demon may symbolize temptation or moral failure. By incorporating these beings into narratives, authors invite readers to reflect on their own beliefs about life, death, and morality.
• Discuss the impact of romanticism and gothic literature on the depiction of supernatural beings during the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Romanticism and gothic literature significantly shifted how supernatural beings were portrayed in this period. Authors began to emphasize emotional depth and psychological complexity in their characters, using supernatural elements to evoke fear and wonder. This movement encouraged readers to confront their own feelings about the unknown and explore the boundaries between reality and imagination.
• Evaluate how societal anxieties are reflected in the portrayal of supernatural beings in 18th and 19th-century literature.
  • The portrayal of supernatural beings in this era reflects various societal anxieties such as fear of death, loss of control over one's destiny, and challenges to rational thought. For instance, ghost stories may reveal cultural fears regarding mortality and the afterlife. Similarly, mythical creatures can serve as manifestations of societal conflicts or internal struggles within individuals. Analyzing these representations allows readers to understand how historical context influences literary themes related to the human experience.

Related terms

Ghosts: Spirits or souls of deceased individuals that are believed to linger in the physical world, often manifesting in eerie ways or influencing the living.

Mythology: A collection of traditional stories and legends that explain natural phenomena and human behavior, often involving gods, goddesses, and other supernatural entities.

Folklore: The body of traditional beliefs, customs, and stories shared by a particular culture, often featuring supernatural beings and elements that reflect societal values.