Supernatural characters mostly form archetypal motifs in many literary writings, meaningfully. In this context, the present paper attempts at making comparative study by analysing the sociocultural influences and modalities of select littérateurs from England and India of different times and genres, those who pioneer in supernatural writings.
Firstly, it puts forth the role of supernatural characters in the writings of the English authors in the forms of soothsayers and apparitions in Shakespeare; necromancy in University wits and compares them with traditional supernatural writings of India like epical, mythological, Buddhist petas and tantric writings. Then, it reflects on mesmerism in the Gothic writings, which is extended up to the role of animagi and metamorphomagi in J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter and compares with the writings of Tagore; ghost stories of Trailokyanath Bandopadhya, Satyjit Ray, Tarasankar, and Manoj Das reflecting on spiritual psychic elements; Samit Basu presents Simoqin prophesies; Shweta Taneja’s concept of cult of chaos, etc. Then, an in-depth critical evaluation has been done regarding the importance of the supernatural characters in such writings from the artistic and philosophical point of views and stylistic factors. It is observed that the traditional authors of both the countries have blended mythological and socio-cultural motifs based on supernatural realities whereas in the modern times, the writers are intertextual, scientific as well as artistic and what’s more, the contemporary writers have been creating new forms unique to their domains of writing or genres
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Supernatural in the British Literature: A Critical Focus
- 2.1 Supernatural in the tragedies of Shakespeare (1564-1616)
- 2.2.1 Shakespeare, Witchcraft and the Supernatural
- 3. The Character of Mephistopheles and the Concept of Hell in Marlowe (1564-93)'s Dr. Faustus
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to conduct a comparative study analyzing socio-cultural influences and modalities of supernatural portrayals in select literary works from England and India. It explores the evolution of supernatural characters across different eras and genres, comparing traditional and modern approaches to the depiction of these elements in literature.
- The role of supernatural characters in shaping narrative and theme.
- The socio-cultural influences on the portrayal of supernatural beings.
- A comparative analysis of supernatural elements in English and Indian literature.
- The artistic and philosophical significance of supernatural characters.
- The evolution of supernatural portrayals from traditional mythology to modern interpretations.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of supernatural characters in English and Indian literature. It establishes the enduring fascination with supernatural elements in storytelling, acknowledging contrasting critical viewpoints on their place within literary realism. The chapter highlights the diverse origins of supernatural characters, ranging from mythological and religious sources to creative imagination, and emphasizes the multifaceted roles these characters play in enriching narrative, exploring moral and spiritual themes, and pushing artistic and philosophical boundaries. The introduction lays the groundwork for the subsequent chapters by outlining the three main components of the study: socio-cultural influences, artistry associated with supernatural characters, and a comparative evaluation of their use in select writings from England and India.
2. Supernatural in the British Literature: A Critical Focus: This chapter delves into the pervasive presence of supernatural elements in British literature, tracing their evolution from Shakespearean tragedies to modern works like those by J.K. Rowling. It examines the significant role of ghosts and witches in Shakespeare's plays, illustrating their dramatic significance in works such as *Hamlet*, *Macbeth*, *Julius Caesar*, and *A Midsummer Night's Dream*. The analysis explores how these supernatural elements contribute to the plot, character development, and thematic exploration within each play. The chapter also touches upon the impact of religious and societal beliefs on the portrayal of witchcraft and the supernatural during Shakespeare's era, linking these portrayals to historical context and legal frameworks surrounding witchcraft.
3. The Character of Mephistopheles and the Concept of Hell in Marlowe (1564-93)'s Dr. Faustus: This chapter focuses on the pivotal role of Mephistopheles in Christopher Marlowe's *Dr. Faustus*. It analyzes Mephistopheles's dramatic presence, highlighting the character's shifting appearances and their symbolic significance. The chapter explores how Mephistopheles acts as a representation of hell and Lucifer, providing insights into the nature of hell as a condition or state of being rather than a physical location. The analysis connects Mephistopheles's character to the play's larger exploration of themes of morality, temptation, and the consequences of pursuing forbidden knowledge.
Keywords
Supernatural, mesmerism, tantric tradition, peta, psychic element, motifs, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Gothic literature, Indian literature, comparative literature, socio-cultural influences, literary analysis.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview - Analyzing Supernatural Themes in Literature
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a research paper analyzing supernatural portrayals in English and Indian literature. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the research paper?
The paper explores the role of supernatural characters in shaping narrative and theme, the socio-cultural influences on their portrayal, a comparative analysis of supernatural elements in English and Indian literature, their artistic and philosophical significance, and the evolution of supernatural portrayals from traditional mythology to modern interpretations.
Which literary works are analyzed in the paper?
The paper specifically analyzes works by Shakespeare (including *Hamlet*, *Macbeth*, *Julius Caesar*, and *A Midsummer Night's Dream*), Christopher Marlowe's *Dr. Faustus*, and makes broader references to modern works like those by J.K. Rowling and unnamed Indian literature. The focus is on comparing supernatural depictions across these different sources and time periods.
What are the main topics covered in each chapter?
Chapter 1 (Introduction): Sets the stage for the comparative analysis, highlighting the enduring fascination with the supernatural and outlining the study's three main components: socio-cultural influences, artistic aspects of supernatural characters, and a comparative evaluation of their use in English and Indian literature. Chapter 2 (Supernatural in British Literature): Explores the pervasive presence of supernatural elements in British literature, focusing on Shakespeare's use of ghosts and witches and their dramatic significance. It examines the impact of religious and societal beliefs on the portrayal of the supernatural during Shakespeare's era. Chapter 3 (Mephistopheles in Marlowe's Dr. Faustus): Focuses on the character of Mephistopheles, analyzing his dramatic presence and symbolic significance in relation to the themes of morality, temptation, and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. It explores the concept of hell as portrayed through Mephistopheles.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
Supernatural, mesmerism, tantric tradition, peta, psychic element, motifs, Shakespeare, Marlowe, Gothic literature, Indian literature, comparative literature, socio-cultural influences, literary analysis.
What is the overall approach of the research?
The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing socio-cultural influences and modalities of supernatural portrayals in select literary works from England and India. It aims to explore the evolution of supernatural characters across different eras and genres.
What is the intended audience for this research?
The intended audience is academic, focusing on those interested in comparative literature, literary analysis, and the study of supernatural themes in literature.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Pratap Kumar Dash (Autor:in), 2021, Religious Constructs and the Portrayal of Supernatural Characters. A Comparative Analysis of Select Literary Classics, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1130954
