In this term paper, I will analyse what the yew tree monster in Patrick Ness’ novel "A Monster Calls" symbolizes and how it is portrayed. In order to examine the role of the monster, I will present some theoretical approaches to the topics of monstrosity and teratology and define what is considered monstrous in the second chapter following this introductory first chapter. In this context, I will take a specific look at the role of monsters in children’s literature and their interaction with child protagonists. Afterwards, in the third chapter, I will analyse in particular the meaning and function of the yew tree monster in the novel "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness, published in 2011. Although the creature’s monstrosity is a core element of the story, the monster fulfils a role besides creating plain horror and fear. In addition to that, the last chapter will deal with the role of the illustrations within the novel and their effects. Finally, I will summarize the results of my analysis in a short conclusion about the symbolism and the way of portrayal of the yew tree monster in Ness’ novel.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
2 THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO MONSTERS
2.1 The Good Monster
2.2 Monsters in Children’s Literature
3 THE MONSTER IN A MONSTER CALLS
3.1 The Illustrations in A Monster Calls
4 CONCLUSION
5 LIST OF WORKS CITED
Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the symbolic role and portrayal of the yew tree monster in Patrick Ness's novel A Monster Calls. The research aims to explore how monsters are traditionally perceived as foreign threats and how this perspective is subverted through the evolution of the monster figure, particularly within the context of children's literature, where the creature functions as a mediator for internal psychological struggles.
- The theoretical conceptualization of monsters as "others" and agents of social order.
- The shifting representation of monsters from purely terrifying villains to empathetic, helpful entities.
- The specific functionality of the monster in children's literature as a psychological tool.
- The symbolic meaning of the yew tree monster regarding grief, guilt, and acceptance in A Monster Calls.
- The synergistic role of illustrations in enhancing narrative engagement and interpretation.
Excerpt from the Book
The Monster in A Monster Calls
The yew tree monster in Ness’ novel A Monster Calls introduces itself as “the eternal Green Man” (52). In its second nightly appearance, it draws an explicit distinction regarding itself as a creature: “I am not a ‘what’”, frowned the monster. I am a ‘who’.” (Ness 49). The monster does not label itself as solely human nor any other creature or thing. Yarova describes the monster as the embodiment of the bond between nature and humanity “by being simultaneously tree-like and human-like, a complex merger of “the Green” (nature) and “the Man” (humanity)” (466). The monster, although shaped into a huge threatening tree with “a great and terrible face, shimmering into a mouth and nose and even eyes, peering back at him” (Ness 22-23) does not seem to scare Conor. While Conor is experiencing his repetitive nightmare of his mother falling off a cliff in the fourth tale, he even states that while there is in fact a real and malicious monster, Conor’s thoughts and feelings about his mother’s passing which I will thematize later, the yew tree monster is not: “The real monster, the one he was properly afraid of, the one he’d expected to see when the yew tree first showed up […].” (197).
A reason for that may be that the monster is not as foreign as initially considered, but as a matter of fact incorporates Conor’s psyche and his fear about the passing of his ill mother, as well as his inner conflict and bad conscience because of his wish for her, and himself, to be redeemed of this misfortune: “An interesting point of note is how Conor has chosen to portray this fictional external agent which he has invented, namely as an enormous monster. This may reflect the disgust that Conor feels towards himself, in the guilt which he feels at being exhausted by his mother’s illness and wanting to ‘let go’ of her” (Ghoshal and Wilkinson 85).
Summary of Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION: This chapter outlines the research objective, which is to analyze the symbolism and portrayal of the yew tree monster in Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls.
2 THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO MONSTERS: This chapter defines the theoretical framework of monstrosity, discussing the monster as a social entity, and examines the shift in contemporary literature toward more empathetic monster figures.
2.1 The Good Monster: This section explores the evolution of monster representations in modern culture, moving from terrifying external threats to complex, supportive mentor figures.
2.2 Monsters in Children’s Literature: This section analyzes the specific role of monsters in children's literature as psychological tools that help young protagonists navigate familial conflicts and internal anxieties.
3 THE MONSTER IN A MONSTER CALLS: This chapter investigates how the yew tree monster constitutes a coping mechanism for the protagonist, Conor, during the terminal illness of his mother.
3.1 The Illustrations in A Monster Calls: This section examines how the visual elements by Jim Kay complement the narrative and deepen the reader's engagement with the book's themes.
4 CONCLUSION: This chapter summarizes the analysis, reinforcing how the monster serves as a projection of internal conflicts that ultimately facilitates the protagonist's path to acceptance and peace.
5 LIST OF WORKS CITED: This chapter provides a comprehensive list of all academic sources used throughout the term paper.
Keywords
Monstrosity, A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness, children’s literature, psychological coping mechanism, otherness, symbolism, internal conflicts, yew tree, narrative illustrations, grief, guilt, mentor figure, human-monster relationship, social order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper primarily explores the symbolic role of monsters in literature, specifically focusing on how the yew tree monster in Patrick Ness's A Monster Calls is depicted and understood as a coping mechanism for a child protagonist.
What are the main thematic fields explored?
The study investigates monstrosity, the evolution of monster tropes in society, the psychological intersection between children and monsters, and the role of visual storytelling in narrative works.
What is the primary research goal?
The objective is to analyze how the yew tree monster symbolizes Conor's personal struggles, specifically his grief and complex feelings toward his mother’s terminal illness, and how this challenges traditional monster archetypes.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing upon theoretical frameworks regarding monstrosity, sociocultural critiques of literature, and studies regarding the reception of visual elements in illustrated novels.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body moves from broad theoretical approaches to monsters in literature and their specific function in children's books, followed by a targeted analysis of A Monster Calls, including the influence of its specific illustration style.
Which keywords define this work?
The study is characterized by terms such as monstrosity, coping mechanisms, otherness, and psychological development within the context of contemporary young adult and children’s literature.
How does the monster in *A Monster Calls* differ from classical monsters?
Unlike classical monsters that represent purely evil or alien threats to be destroyed, the yew tree monster in Ness’s work is a complex figure that represents internal struggles, acting more as a mentor than an antagonist.
Why are illustrations in *A Monster Calls* critically important for the analysis?
The illustrations are argued to be integral to the narrative, as they blur the lines between reality and imagination, forcing the reader to constantly interpret the "truth" of the monster's appearance and existence.
How does the monster assist the protagonist Conor?
The monster tells Conor tales that challenge his perspective, eventually helping him articulate suppressed feelings of guilt and the pain of his mother's impending death, which leads to his emotional release and redemption.
What is the significance of the "Other" in the context of this paper?
The "Other" denotes how society categorizes monsters as foreign and dangerous to maintain stability; the paper argues that the yew tree monster subverts this by being inherently intertwined with the protagonist’s own humanness and internal psyche.
- Citar trabajo
- Esma Erkmen (Autor), 2022, The Good Monster? The Portrayal of the Monster in Patrick Ness’ "A Monster Calls", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1416777
