Chosen Theses: Thesis 4: The Monster Dwells at the Gates of Difference
It is known that monsters come in all shapes and sizes, from the stereotypical grotesque, menacing creatures to the seemingly innocent wolf in sheep’s clothing. Apart from appearances, monsters would also be created from cultural, political, racial, economic, sexual differences. With that said, all monsters dwell at the Gates of Difference, where differentiation is disapproved and abhorred. In the following essay, I will examine two iconic monsters, Medusa and Frankenstein’s Monster, their distinctions that separate or alienate them, and the significance of these differences in the becoming of said monsters.
The first— Medusa, an African Goddess, revered as a symbol …show more content…
It was soon followed by the birth of a hero, in this case is Perseus. Medusa’s head was ultimately severed and used as a weapon by Athena, on her shield. This second act further polarizes Medusa, drawing attention to her unnatural form and ability to render onlookers to stone, demonizing her, simultaneously portraying the Gods in a more heroic light. The overall impact of such negative representations, effectively silenced the feminine voice in terms of culture, sexuality and even the gender differences in Ancient Greece. In relation to the thesis, the non-conformist Medusa was forged into a …show more content…
The labeling of these characters as monsters, makes it easier for humans to make sense of them and their differences. Sadly, this kind of stuff still happens all the time even today. Monsters may dwell at the Gates of Differences but it is the humans that have erected the gates in the first
It is known that monsters come in all shapes and sizes, from the stereotypical grotesque, menacing creatures to the seemingly innocent wolf in sheep’s clothing. Apart from appearances, monsters would also be created from cultural, political, racial, economic, sexual differences. With that said, all monsters dwell at the Gates of Difference, where differentiation is disapproved and abhorred. In the following essay, I will examine two iconic monsters, Medusa and Frankenstein’s Monster, their distinctions that separate or alienate them, and the significance of these differences in the becoming of said monsters.
The first— Medusa, an African Goddess, revered as a symbol …show more content…
It was soon followed by the birth of a hero, in this case is Perseus. Medusa’s head was ultimately severed and used as a weapon by Athena, on her shield. This second act further polarizes Medusa, drawing attention to her unnatural form and ability to render onlookers to stone, demonizing her, simultaneously portraying the Gods in a more heroic light. The overall impact of such negative representations, effectively silenced the feminine voice in terms of culture, sexuality and even the gender differences in Ancient Greece. In relation to the thesis, the non-conformist Medusa was forged into a …show more content…
The labeling of these characters as monsters, makes it easier for humans to make sense of them and their differences. Sadly, this kind of stuff still happens all the time even today. Monsters may dwell at the Gates of Differences but it is the humans that have erected the gates in the first