The Role of The Supernatural in Literature Essay Example

As human beings, we tend to live by certain beliefs beyond our understanding. We are in a way programmed to follow a specific order of things concerning what is right or wrong. It is in this regard that we love fiction or extraordinary forces to help us visualize those actions that do go against the stipulated order of things. These forces enable us to understand ourselves better as mortal beings and in this way, we are able to understand that though we are all human, there are unique differences that distinguish us. These differences may be extreme that we are considered weird by society. With reference to Barbara Gowdy's short story, "We so seldom look on love," we are going to thoroughly discuss the purpose of using the supernatural aspect of style in this piece of literature in the preceding paragraphs.

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Firstly, the supernatural aspect has been employed to create a mystical experience for the reader. In the story, the author introduces us to the main character who reflects on her childhood memories as necrophilia. The author goes a notch higher to explain her obsessions with blood and love for male corpses. In this way, the author echoes the words in the poem, "Necrophilia," by Frank O'Hara that state, "It is better that someone loves them." In this context, "them" being the dead (O'Hara, 1995). When she says, "I have found no replacement for the torrid serenity of a cadaver, absorbing their energy..." she acknowledges her feminist nature which is an admission of not being able to get into a relationship with men. The author, therefore, attempts to make us understand this rare obsession with corpses and blood as a way of showing love and affection. This, therefore, justifies her choices and it makes the reader believe most of these actions which are rare in real life. This also enables the reader to visualize the kind of life led by the narrator as well as the love being discussed.

This aspect of style also comments on conflict inherent in the piece of writing. This is so because it differentiates the real word situation with the fictitious world. The author, Barbara, creates a picture of two different world and personalities. In the first, the world of facts (conservatives), we see a formal setup where people interact with others and have shared values such as love for those of the opposite gender and things they value in life. This society greatly upholds human life and dignity as well as rejecting death and evil. In the other world, we visualize a setup where there is the disregard of human life. This society also shows love to inhuman objects that are feared or considered evil in the real world that is corpses. By merging these two different environments, we can understand the differences in this world, in particular, human differences. We get to see the different perceptions and ideologies as exhibited by individuals. Through these differences in opinion, we find a considerable rift between these scenarios. We also get to appreciate our differences by embracing our diversity since we are all equal in one way. This style of literature, therefore, helps us understand our differences and why things are the way they are in this world which is a great way promotes harmony in society.

The supernatural also helps the author to bring out the true nature of humanity. In this story, humanity is described as being open-minded, hardworking, goal-oriented and determiners of their fate. Through opening up about her personality, we get to see that humans have the ability to express what's in their minds. She doesn't fear criticism from those that think otherwise thereby, affirming her decisions and sharing her experiences. Neither is she ashamed of her personality. Following her obsession with corpses and blood, she works hard and becomes a hearse driver for her to be able to satisfy her hearts desires. It is also prudent to note that it takes human effort and sweat to be in a position achieve one's goals. The main character also exercises her power of choice by willingly deciding the kind of sexual life she wants. She isn't cowed by stereotypes in the society which restricts personal behavior especially one's sexuality. This is a sensitive matter in society, and conservatives may not well receive her controversial sentiments. This incident fully illustrates the change in society. All these actions affirm the nature of humanity as noble creatures with sober minds to discern right from wrong.

The author also employed the supernatural to bring out the primary mood of the story. The narrator introduces a romantic atmosphere by fully explaining her childhood memories that have shaped her sexual life. She fully explains her infatuation with corpses' smell, blood, and energy by saying, "...I have found no replacement for the torrid serenity of a cadaver, absorbing their energy, blazing it back out. Since that energy came from the act of life alchemizing into death, there's a possibility it was alchemical itself." (Gowdy, 2011). This line induces emotions towards the subject. It also allows the reader to conceptualize the message and further, create a picture in mind for remembrance. This style, therefore, aids the author to communicate her ideas.

Conclusion

With the employment of the supernatural, the author is able to communicate her message to the intended audience fully. This style adds taste to a piece of art which makes readers yearn for more as well as enhancing the suspense. In totality, these aspects promote the use of literature and language since it's the most preferred mode of communication ever invented.

Works Cited

Gowdy, Barbara. We So Seldom Look on Love: Stories. HarperCollins Canada, 2011.

O'Hara, Frank. The collected poems of Frank O'Hara. Univ of California Press, 1995.