Introduction
Monster is not a friendly term especially among children, irrespective of the context in which it is mentioned. Essentially, a monster is a subject that should only exist in fairytales but ask a quarterback regarding the 500-pound man rushing at him, or even a mother whose child was killed by a drunkard driver and the first thought to enter into their mind is monstrous. However, none of them can exclusively describe what they call a monster. In this paper, I attempt to define what can genuinely get portrayed as a monster. Using the information presented in The Hound of Baskervilles, a 19th Century horror literature by Conan Doyle, I tend to prove that monsters are not just what they seem to be on the surface and at times they are not responsible for the grotesque behaviors associated to them.
Evolution of the Term "Monster"
Initially, monsters were commonly used to describe mythical creatures such as griffins, sphinxes, and centaurs. They were associated with adverse connotations due to their strange characters (Conan 146). Progressively, monster evolved into a more disturbing term whereby it was popularly used to refer to any creature that displayed misshapen features. For instance, a child who was perceived to be possessed with demons was seen as a monster. As horror literature continued to gain roots in the society, the monster became a popular term used with bad intentions. It could be used to refer to evil characters such as rapists and kidnappers (Conan 146). Up to date, the term has continued to evolve gaining application under different circumstances.
The General Definition of a Monster
The most general definition of a monster is that it is a mythical creature whose features vary between those of a human and an animal. Most often, it is considered to portray cruelty and inhuman behaviors whereby in a majority of the literature such traits are used to offer advice to human beings regarding brute force (Conan 149). For instance, Conan describes it as an enormous hound whose mouth bursts with fire and whose mortal eyes glow with a smoldering glare (Conan 149). He further stipulates that other than in a delirious dream it is impossible to have anything that is more hellish than a monster.
The Creation of Monstrosity
Such an appalling description aims at showing that a monster is a supernatural creature which most probably came from hell. Since a majority of Conan’s contemporary audience during its publication were Christians, his decision to use such horrific terms aimed at ensuring the idea plays deep in their mind thereby creating a sense of fear that gothic literature is popularly known for (Conan 158). Nevertheless, as the story comes to an end, we get to learn that the monster was human-made created by Stapleton who is a criminal (Conan 158). Such an illustration shows that the aspect of monstrosity is a creation of the mind and there is no any supernatural creature called a monster. However, it brings into light a critical point that a monster is created in the human mind when he or she gives into ambition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the evolution noted in the term monster is subject to human understanding. As the world becomes more advanced due to technology, people change their perceptions and imaginations which in turn contribute to the ever-changing definition of the term monster. It is, therefore, an aspect that depends on human mentality and not monsters are not supernatural beings contrary to what majority of people believe.
Works Cited
Conan, Arthur. The Hound of Baskervilles: Another Adventure of Sherlock Holmes. Broadview Press, 2006.
Sandifer, Phil. “Outside the Government: The Hound of Baskervilles” 8th January 2012, http://www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/outside-the-government-the-hounds-of-askerville/
