Supernatural

Definition

The supernatural refers to phenomena that exist beyond the natural laws and forces of the physical world, often involving elements that are inexplicable by scientific understanding. In literature, particularly in Gothic and Romantic contexts, the supernatural manifests through ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly occurrences that evoke mystery, fear, and fascination. This concept is closely tied to the exploration of human emotions, the sublime, and the boundary between reality and the unknown.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the Brontës' works, supernatural elements often symbolize internal struggles and emotional turmoil experienced by characters.
2. The use of ghosts and eerie settings creates a sense of foreboding that heightens the emotional stakes in novels like 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Jane Eyre'.
3. Supernatural occurrences are not merely plot devices but serve to reveal deeper truths about human nature and society.
4. The Brontë sisters utilized the supernatural to challenge social norms and explore themes of love, loss, and identity.
5. The interplay between the natural and supernatural reflects Romantic ideals, emphasizing the complexity of human emotion and experience.

Review Questions

• How do supernatural elements in the Brontës' works enhance the emotional depth of their characters?
  • Supernatural elements in the Brontës' works act as external manifestations of characters' inner conflicts and emotions. For example, in 'Wuthering Heights,' the ghostly presence of Catherine serves as a symbol of unresolved love and longing that deeply affects Heathcliff. This connection emphasizes how supernatural occurrences mirror emotional states, allowing readers to experience characters' struggles on a visceral level.
• Discuss how Gothic elements in the Brontës' works use the supernatural to critique societal norms.
  • The Gothic elements in the Brontës' novels utilize supernatural occurrences to challenge societal norms surrounding love, gender roles, and morality. For instance, the haunting presence in 'Jane Eyre' underscores Jane's struggle for autonomy against oppressive social structures. By weaving together the supernatural with critiques of Victorian society, the Brontës highlight the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
• Evaluate how the theme of the supernatural reflects Romantic ideals in the works of the Brontë sisters.
  • The theme of the supernatural in Brontë literature embodies key Romantic ideals by emphasizing deep emotions, nature's awe-inspiring power, and a fascination with the mysterious. Characters' encounters with ghosts or otherworldly phenomena serve to elevate personal experiences beyond rational explanation. This connection between humanity and the supernatural illustrates a longing for understanding that transcends conventional boundaries, reinforcing Romanticism's celebration of emotion and individuality.

Related terms

Gothic Literature: A genre characterized by dark themes, supernatural elements, and an emphasis on emotional experiences, often featuring settings like decaying castles and haunted landscapes.

Romanticism:

An artistic movement that emphasized individual emotion, nature's beauty, and the glorification of the past, frequently intertwining with themes of the supernatural to explore deeper human experiences.

The Uncanny: A psychological concept describing the strange or eerie feeling evoked by familiar things that become unfamiliar, often seen in supernatural encounters.