The supernatural

Definition

The supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that are beyond the laws of nature, often involving elements such as ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly forces. In literature, it serves as a tool to explore themes of morality, the unknown, and human experience in relation to larger forces beyond comprehension. The supernatural can evoke fear, wonder, and reflection on the nature of existence itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brontë sisters often used supernatural elements to reflect their characters' inner struggles and societal issues, intertwining the fantastical with real-life themes.
2. In 'Wuthering Heights,' the ghostly presence of Catherine Earnshaw plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and illustrating deep emotional connections.
3. Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre' contains elements of the supernatural through dreams and visions that signify deeper psychological truths for the protagonist.
4. The supernatural in Brontë literature serves to challenge societal norms, especially around love, death, and morality, pushing characters towards self-discovery.
5. The use of supernatural motifs reflects the Brontë sisters' fascination with nature's power and its potential to transcend ordinary human experiences.

Review Questions

• How do the Brontë sisters utilize supernatural elements to enhance character development in their works?
  • The Brontë sisters incorporate supernatural elements to reveal deeper truths about their characters and their struggles. For example, in 'Wuthering Heights,' Catherine's ghost symbolizes unresolved emotions and intense love that transcends death. These supernatural occurrences serve as mirrors for the characters’ psychological states, making their inner conflicts more palpable to the reader.
• Discuss how the use of the supernatural by the Brontë sisters reflects broader societal themes within their novels.
  • The supernatural in Brontë novels often highlights societal issues such as class conflict, gender roles, and moral dilemmas. By incorporating ghostly apparitions or otherworldly forces, they draw attention to the struggles faced by individuals within a rigid social structure. This blend allows them to critique societal expectations while emphasizing human emotions that defy conventional norms.
• Evaluate the impact of supernatural motifs on reader interpretation of reality in Brontë literature.
  • Supernatural motifs in Brontë literature compel readers to question their perceptions of reality and morality. By blurring the lines between the real and the fantastical, these elements invite deeper contemplation on existential themes like love, loss, and identity. This engagement with the supernatural allows readers to explore complexities of human experience in ways that rational explanations alone cannot capture.

Related terms

Gothic Fiction: A genre characterized by dark settings, mysterious events, and an exploration of the uncanny, often featuring elements of horror and the supernatural.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the sublime, often incorporating supernatural elements to challenge rationality.

Metaphysics: A branch of philosophy concerned with the fundamental nature of reality and being, including questions about existence that the supernatural often touches upon.