The supernatural

Definition

The supernatural refers to phenomena or entities that exist beyond the laws of nature and the observable world, often involving elements such as magic, ghosts, deities, and otherworldly beings. In various literary movements, it serves as a bridge between the known and the unknown, often exploring the human psyche, emotion, and the mysteries of existence. This concept allows writers to express deeper truths about human experience through elements that defy rational explanation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In English Romantic poetry, the supernatural is often used to evoke strong emotions and explore humanity's connection to nature, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
2. The origins of Romanticism are rooted in a reaction against Enlightenment rationality, leading to an embrace of the irrational and mystical aspects of life.
3. Latin American Magical Realism uniquely combines realistic narratives with supernatural elements, reflecting cultural beliefs and social issues while challenging readers' perceptions of reality.
4. The supernatural is not merely for entertainment; it serves as a powerful tool for authors to address philosophical questions and explore moral dilemmas faced by characters.
5. Romantic writers often depicted nature as a source of spiritual inspiration, using supernatural motifs to represent the sublime beauty and terror found in the natural world.

Review Questions

• How does the use of supernatural elements in English Romantic poetry enhance its emotional impact?
  • The incorporation of supernatural elements in English Romantic poetry amplifies emotional experiences by connecting readers with profound feelings of awe and wonder. Poets like Coleridge or Wordsworth employed these elements to evoke a sense of the sublime, allowing readers to explore themes related to nature's beauty and its terrifying aspects. The supernatural acts as a catalyst for heightened emotional responses, drawing attention to the complexities of human experience.
• Discuss how Romanticism's reaction against Enlightenment ideals influences its portrayal of the supernatural.
  • Romanticism arose as a response to the rationalist ideals of the Enlightenment, which prioritized reason over emotion. As a result, Romantic writers embraced the supernatural to challenge conventional thinking about reality. By integrating magical or mystical components into their works, they emphasized intuition, imagination, and emotional depth. This shift allowed them to explore aspects of existence that elude logical explanation and reveal deeper truths about humanity's connection to nature and the universe.
• Evaluate how Latin American Magical Realism uses supernatural elements to reflect cultural identity and social issues.
  • In Latin American Magical Realism, supernatural elements serve as a means to reflect complex cultural identities and address pressing social issues. By weaving fantastical occurrences into everyday life, authors like Gabriel García Márquez create narratives that challenge traditional notions of reality. This blending highlights the magical aspects inherent in Latin American culture while simultaneously critiquing societal problems such as inequality or political corruption. Ultimately, this approach allows readers to engage with profound themes in an imaginative yet thought-provoking way.

Related terms

Romanticism: A literary and artistic movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often exploring the sublime and the supernatural as a means to challenge rationalism.

Magical Realism: A narrative style that incorporates fantastical elements into realistic settings, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, allowing the supernatural to coexist with everyday life.

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and the macabre, often set in dark, mysterious locations and exploring themes of fear and the uncanny.