A monster is an imaginary or legendary creature, such as a
Frankenstein, that combines parts from various animal or human forms. Most are
recognized by their characteristics of being strange or having a frightening
appearance. Though society is set on this image of a typical monster, Thomas C.
Foster, the author of "How to Read Literature Like a Professor",
explains that in literature monsters are actually more significant than what we
make them out to be. Four of his main focuses are vampires, witches, trolls, and ghosts.
Vampires, or blood-sucking corpses to society, symbolize a
fear of sexuality in literature. This fear creates the tension of the
corruption of innocence on exotic foreigners (humans). After reading this the
example of Edward in "Twilight" seemed to fit this exact
explanation. Edward Cullen is our
protagonist vampire and deep love interest of Bella. Much of the tension in the novel results from
Edward's very nature as a predator, a vampire. He's a conflicted character
because he sees himself as a monster, he hates that he craves human blood,
especially Bella's. He's horrified by his natural instincts because it
interferes with his sexual connection to Bella. His reason for this connection
is because he doesn't want to harm Bella and turn her into a monster
Witches, typically ugly and wicked old women, symbolize a
fear of religions that existed before religion. Witches also symbolize the fear
of female power in a male dominated world. Neytiri, from "Avatar"
fits this witch character when it comes to the female domination. Neytiri is
brave, loyal and strong-willed. She is devoted to her people and is willing to
put herself in a dangerous situation for the sake of her clan. Neytiri is also
wise far beyond her years, and can see past a person's physical flaws to the
heart within. She has a tendency to get angry when people close to her do wrong
or when others try to offend or harm her loved ones. She symbolizes the power
and domination of a woman as her character is a leader of war rather than the
calm less violent character.
Trolls, normally portrayed as a friendly or mischievous
dwarf or as a giant, represent threatening, uncontrollable powers of nature.
They represent how powerful and dominant nature is compared to humanity. The Hulk
is a good representation of this characteristic. Hulk is a genius scientist who
because of exposure to gamma radiation, transforms into the Hulk when stressed,
enraged, or excited. This character appears as something that can never be
destroyed such as nature.
Ghosts are what we believe to be the soul of a dead person.
Ghosts are embodied warnings. They foreshadow disasters of unveil past evil.
They also tend to demand vengeance or proper burial. The overall significance
of a ghost is to be a sign. A good childhood example that goes along with this
is "A Christmas Carol". The first ghost represents "The Ghost of Christmas Past" The first ghost
is like a child. This
represents innocence and purity (as children are) or what Scrooge used to be. The second ghost represents "The Ghost of Christmas Present"
This ghost is dressed in a green robe with white fur, and a holly wreath and he comes with a scabbard with no sword and with a huge feast. This ghost seems more jovial and kingly. He represents generosity and plenty. He also represents power,but at the same time peace. The third ghost represents "The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come". This ghost represents death as he appears like the grim reaper.
This ghost is dressed in a green robe with white fur, and a holly wreath and he comes with a scabbard with no sword and with a huge feast. This ghost seems more jovial and kingly. He represents generosity and plenty. He also represents power,but at the same time peace. The third ghost represents "The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come". This ghost represents death as he appears like the grim reaper.
