Monsters have been a recurring presence in literature for centuries, serving as embodiments of our deepest fears and darkest desires. They reflect the changing societal and cultural landscapes and have evolved in parallel with our understanding of human nature. In this blog post, specifically ideated to set the right atmosphere for Halloween, we will embark on a literary journey through time, exploring the evolution of monsters in novels and how these creatures have shaped and mirrored the fears and concerns of their respective eras.
1) Early literary monsters
Some of the very first terrifying creatures people could read about in literature are those mentioned in popular myths. To be more specific, we can see countless examples of monsters in Greek and Roman mythology, although I am aware there are many more cultures we could explore. From the petrifying Chimera to the alluring Sirens, there’s a large range of examples to choose from, but I will liste a few, delving into their symbolic significance in ancient literature.
Firstly, one of the most infamous monsters in Ancient Greece is Medusa, a Gorgon with hair made of venomous snakes. Looking at her directly in the eyes turns anyone to stone. She is the embodiment of the destructive and paralysing power of fear. In art and literature, she represents the fear of the unknown and the dangers of exploring one’s deepest insecurities. Another example is the Minotaur, a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull that resides in the labyrinth of King Minos. It symbolises the consequences of unchecked power and the darker side of human nature, portraying the idea that societies can create their own monsters through cruelty and oppression.
When it comes to Roman mythology, Harpies were one of the most feared monsters in all stories. They were female bird-like creatures with a malevolent nature, causing storms and destruction. They were the representation of the untameable force of nature and the punishment for men’s wrongdoings. One of the creatures I mentioned at the beginning are Sirens, similar to their Greek counterpart and depicted as beautiful women with enchanting voices that lure sailors to their doom. They portray temptation, desire and the dangers of indulging in pleasures that lead to tragedies.
2) Gothic monsters
Our next stop on the journey through literature is set between the 18th and 19th century. Being the years in which the Gothic novels and tales become more prevalent, it would be impossible not to stop and explore this essential period for the evolution of fictional monstrous creatures. When speaking of the Gothic era, it is a must to mention two of the most well-known monsters that people still recognise to this day: Dracula and Frankenstein.
The first one emerges from a masterpiece by Bram Stoker, which not only introduces the world to vampires as we know them today, but also tapped into deep-seated human and societal fears. Published in 1897, Dracula redefines the portrayal of vampires, depicting Count Dracula as a charismatic, immortal, and seductive figure who preys upon the living. This portrayal builds the foundation for the modern vampire archetype. Beyond the supernatural, the novel delves into themes of sexuality and xenophobia. Dracula, as both a character and a symbol, embodies the anxieties of the Victorian society regarding sexual repression, foreign influence and the fear of the unknown. Stoker's work continues to captivate readers, exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche while reflecting the evolving fears of each generation.
On the other hand, Mary Shelley's groundbreaking novel Frankenstein is a pivotal work of gothic horror literature and it continues to shape our perception of both the genre and the ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific advancement. Published in 1818, Frankenstein introduces readers to Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist who defies the boundaries of life and death by creating a monstrous being with the goal of reanimating the dead. Shelley's creation of this creature marks the birth of science fiction and the exploration of the consequences of scientific experiments. Frankenstein embodies the timeless fears of humanity's technological ambitions, exploring themes of identity, societal rejection and the potential horrors that may arise from playing with the laws of nature. Shelley's work serves as a stark reminder of the ethical and moral implications of scientific progress, a message as relevant today as it was in the 19th century.
3) Monsters in technology and alien invasions
After tackling some of the most crucial elements in Gothic literature, it is time to get closer and closer to our modern society. In 20th-century literature, the themes of monsters in technology and alien invasions take center stage, reflecting society's fears of the unknown and the perils of scientific progress. These themes produce iconic works in the 1900s that continue to influence modern science fiction. Once again, I would like to focus on two examples I believe to be extremely fitting for this point, one concerning Martian invaders while the other delves deeper into the power of cosmic forces. The first one I’d like to talk about is The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, which centres around the invasion carried out by a technologically advanced alien society. It serves as the representation of the anxieties of an industrialising world. Wells' Martians, with their advanced tripods and heat-ray weapons, symbolise the fear that rapid technological progress could render humanity powerless. The novel, published in 1898 but set in the late 19th century, reflects concerns about unchecked industrialisation, imperialism and the potential for catastrophic conflict, making it a timeless warning about the consequences of runaway technological advancement.
The second example I chose is H.P. Lovecraft’s cosmic horrors. Exemplified by the iconic entity Cthulhu, they are a masterful exploration of the insignificance of humanity in the face of incomprehensible cosmic forces. Lovecraft's myths introduces beings beyond human understanding, who are ancient and powerful and exist beyond the limits of time and space. Cthulhu, a monstrous and dormant entity submerged beneath the sea, is a prime instance. These creations serve as a stark reminder of humanity's vulnerability and the overwhelming vastness of the cosmos. Lovecraft’s works convey a sense of existential dread, emphasizing that our place in the universe is but a speck in the face of entities that defy human comprehension, instilling a profound and unsettling fear of the unknown.
4) Existential and scientific fears
When exploring the events that shaped the 20th century, it is natural to take into consideration the societal changes and fears that World War II created. After nuclear threats, the invention of the atomic bomb, countless innocent victims, the holocaust and the violent acts of repression of a totalitarian state, many novels have been influenced by these horrible events.
First and foremost, I chose to present the book that created a brand-new kind of monster in post World War II literature. 1984 is a groundbreaking work by George Orwell, which represents the threat imposed by an oppressive and all-encompassing regime called the Party, led by an invisible, yet ever-present menace, Big Brother. Published in 1949, just after World War II, the novel embodies the profound fears of post-war societies. The Party's control over every aspect of life, the manipulation of truth and the erasure of individuality give rise to a monster that is both external and internal, epitomising the horrors of totalitarianism and the loss of personal freedom. 1984 starkly illustrates the anxieties of the post World War II society, where the spectre of authoritarianism and the perversion of power are widespread, resonating with readers as a cautionary tale of the dangers of oppressive regimes.
Another example I would like to bring to the table is rather unconventional. Although not originating from traditional written literature, Godzilla and similar giant monsters in film are important elements of cinematic literature. Godzilla, created for the 1954 Japanese film Gojira, serves as a visual representation and metaphor, exploring societal fears and anxieties, particularly those related to nuclear and environmental concerns that emerged after War World II.
5) Modern monsters and societal reflections
The late 20th and early 21st centuries stand as a time marked by rapid social and technological change. As people grapple with shifting norms and values, literature has evolved to reflect contemporary fears and anxieties. During this period, two distinct trends in horror literature emerge, each addressing societal concerns.
The first trend involves psychological horrors, represented by characters like Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, who plunge into the intricate depths of the human psyche. These monsters explore the blurred lines between good and evil, sanity and madness, presenting readers with a reflection of the moral complexities of the era.
Simultaneously, a resurgence in zombie narratives, as seen in Max Brooks' World War Z, captures modern fears of global epidemics and societal breakdown. Published in 2006, it is a work of apocalyptic horror fiction that explores a zombie pandemic and its aftermath through a series of interviews with survivors. Zombies, once relegated to B-movies, now symbolise our dread of uncontrollable contagions and the fragility of the social fabric. Together, these modern monsters provide profound insights into the human condition, painting an accurate picture of the psychological darkness of our time and the instability of the world we inhabit.
6) Supernatural and shifting monsters
Now let’s begin talking about a phase in the history of literature that I actually experienced on my own skin. In the early to mid-2000s, horror novels started slowly merging with the fantasy genre, creating a whole new style called urban fantasy. I am pretty positive that each one of you knows at least a book from this era. The characteristics are pretty much the same for all of them. They feature vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, demons and other supernatural beings, just like the horror genre did in the past. The only difference is that they have been reimagined and this time they are actually portrayed as attractive, charming and sometimes even empathetic creatures, which often look exactly like people. And not just people, very good-looking people. To put this idea of romanticising once monstrous characters into perspective, I will give you the names of a few books that I bet everyone here knows.
One of them is The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Claire, in which a group of so-called Shadowhunters with angelic abilities have the duty to battle demons in contemporary New York City. It combines urban fantasy, young adult fiction and romance.
Another case in point is the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers, which helped establish urban fantasy as a prominent subgenre within the broader fantasy and paranormal fiction categories. It would be redundant of me to explain why this book fits perfectly into the idea of romanticising vampires, a creature that once haunted readers, but I can say that, despite the criticism, these books left such a strong mark in modern literature that it paved the way to numerous fantasy books nowadays.
7) Monsters in dystopian literature
Dystopian literature, a genre that gained prominence in the mid-20th century, emerged in response to the social and political turmoil of the time. These narratives serve as cautionary tales, reflecting human and societal fears surrounding the consequences of uncontrolled power and social injustice. However, some authors decided to explore this genre well into the 21st century.
A prominent example is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Set in a bleak future, it portrays a dystopian society where the Capitol exercises totalitarian control over its districts, forcing them to participate in a brutal televised death match, the Hunger Games, as a punishment to the district that didn’t win a past war against the government. This novel, published in 2008, has significantly influenced literature by showcasing the monstrous effects of oppressive regimes and social inequality. The Hunger Games, as a metaphorical monster, embodies contemporary fears of authoritarianism, inequality and the loss of one’s freedom. It serves as a reminder of the dark turns a society can take when an ordinary person rises to power and slowly mutates into an actual monster. A monster that has the face of President Snow but that is actually represented by the entirety of the government, the corruption in the political system and the indifference and amusement of the society that has been spared by the horrors the other districts have to endure.
8) Present-day monsters
Although the portrayal of monstrous creature has not changed a lot from the early 2000s, I believe it would be interesting to have a last look at the representation of monsters present-day, specifically from the mid-2010s until now. Needless to say, in the past few years we have all been through the unimaginable. A pandemic, climate change, political unrest, technological advancements, public health crisis, social inequalities. All these fears are mirrored int the way monsters are portrayed in books. As I previously mentioned, there are still countless examples of the romanticising of monstrous creatures and novels set in alternative worlds and realities, but I would like to focus on the monster as a symbol for a current societal or human fear.
That is the reason why I selected a book published in year 2021, The Fourth Bear by Jasper Fforde. While this book falls into the realm of humorous fantasy, it offers a satirical portrayal of monsters that reflects current fears. Fforde's narrative plays with the concept of a giant, mechanical, and anthropomorphic bear that wreaks havoc in the fictional city of Reading. This monster symbolises the concerns around corporate power, technological surveillance and the impact of giant industries on our daily lives. In this case, the monster takes on the form of a corporate entity, encapsulating the contemporary anxieties regarding the ethics of big tech and corporations, providing a humorous yet thought-provoking commentary on these pressing issues.
Monsters in literature have evolved in tandem with our ever-changing world. From the gods and mythological creatures of antiquity to the existential and technological fears of the modern age, these literary monsters have given a shape and a name to our deepest anxieties, both as a society and as human beings. As we continue to explore the meaning of our lives and our place in the universe, the evolution of monsters in novels remains a testament to our ongoing fascination with the mysterious and the macabre, plus our unwavering desire to confront these monsters, both real and imagined, within and beyond.