Second Formal Paper Assignment Literature & Language Essay

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Monstrosity in the Societal Context
In literature, there has been several occasions where a creator presents a certain creature in the story symbolizing different meanings. The creature is often depicted as something that has attributes different and distinguished from humans. Some are illustrated as monsters, some are shown as things that possesses life, most particularly in the genre of fiction. These variations of their portrayal in literature depends on its author, the period that it is written, and the genre of the created story. The different genres of the stories involving creatures are expected to be portrayed in various forms of monstrosity whether it be physical, emotional as an inner conflict, or as a consequence due to one’s action in the society.
The term monstrosity can be linked to teratology. Teratology has different meanings, depending on how it is used in the context. Its etymological meaning comes from the Greek word “teras” which means “monster”, and “logy” is a Latin word which is interpreted as discourse, theory, speaking, science, doctrine. Thus, teratology means “speaking of monsters” as explained by Picart and Browning. Moreover, its use in literature is further explained by Picart and Browning as a collection of tales involving mythical creatures and monsters. This definition then leads to the notion that fairytales contain both wonderful and scary creatures (Rosenberger, 2013).
Teratology is often depicted by Picart and Browning as something that is not normal which is less on the marvels. Jeffrey Cohen presented a different perspective in defining what is monstrous and what is not. Cohen claimed in Monster theory that monsters can defined a society. This is explained through which the values and beliefs of a certain society is influenced by what is recognized as monstrous in that setting at that certain period. Thus, monster can be defined differently over time, according to its geographical location, status in the society, and such. In this paper, I will demonstrate how the story of Pinocchio can be connected to the monstrosity of the society nowadays particularly with the on-going crisis (Rosenberger, 2013).
There are several versions of Pinocchio stories. The most famous version was created by Walt Disney. The story is about Geppetto, a lone woodworker with no family, keeping a close bond with his cat named Figaro and fish Cleo. When he saw a falling star, he wished for his puppet Pinocchio, which he just completed, to become a real boy. The heavens have been listening as the Blue Fairy granted the desires of Geppetto and breathed life into the puppet. However, Pinocchio was not fully transformed into human. He should prove himself first before this will be granted to him as “brave, truthful, and unselfish.” Jiminy Cricket then served as Pinocchio’s conscience. When he was sent to school on the next day, he was tricked by the wicked Honest John and Gideon, leading him astray to Stromboli and then to Pleasure Island afterwards. The main themes presented in this version include transformation depicted not only through the physical transformation of Pinocchio, but also his intern morality’s transformation. The essenc...