Picked up on a whim, I certainly got the expected analysis of horror movies as a way for Americans to understand and react to their culture, but the author also makes the (very strong and well supported) argument that far from being a way to understand the world around us, monsters are also used by those in power to crush those without under their heel while also ignoring and excusing the fact that they're doing so. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Societal values impact individuals only as much as we understand an individuals values. Which one would you like to know more about and why? If you've got an interest in horror, this is definitely worth a read. Instead of representing the "us vs them" mentality, monsters are much closer so home: they are us. Continue to start your free trial. The Monthly Kindle Ebook Sale March 2023, 5 Essential Ebook Deals for Church Leaders 23 February 2023, 5 Essential Ebook Deals for Church Leaders 16 February 2023, Rumi Poems Eight of Our Favorites by the Sufi Mystic, Walt Whitman Poems 8 of our Favorites from Leaves of Grass, Alexander Pushkin Five Poems by the Russian Poet, Against Christian Nationalism: Essential Books [A Reading Guide]. Sometimes it can end up there. These summaries should not exceed one page in length. 2023 Baylor University Press. From early American ghost stories to Jordan Peeles Get Out (2017), Scott Poole expertly tracks the importance of monsters and monstrosity in American culture. The different types of monsters, whether cultural, supernatural, or moral, all contribute to the meaning of American culture. Date. Monsters in America does a bang-up job of demonstrating how our culture helps us achieve some sort of understanding about our world and our lives. A.Slavery B.States' rights C.Internal improvements D.Westward expansion. Dorothy Sayers Where to Start with her Mystery Novels? Here's where you'll find analysis of the main themes, motifs, and symbols in Monster. $24.99 Judging from the verbiage, Pooles sub-text for the American monster is conservative-Christian-white-heterosexual-Republican. What would be made of the differences of the heavy, utilitarian coffee cups of the 1940s compared to the cups featuring Gary Larson cartoons so popular in the 1990s? Excellent examination of horror movies evolution through the years and also how societal happenings influence the movies at the time they are made. Other times Poole relies too heavily on social interpreters for his connections. From 19th century sea serpents to our current Publishers Weekly session with vampires and zombies, Poole plots America's past through its fears in this intriguing sociocultural history. Monsters highlight both the positives and negatives in any society, and as such, require the reader to open ones mind and accept that the history taught in history books may not be the truth. The book's unusual range is one of its contributions; its freshness of juxtaposition is another. Anything outside the norm brought about the birth of a monster, which can differ depending on the social, economic, cultural, or political influences of the time. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Monsters are here to stay. Scholars will argue over interpretation because that is what scholars do. Monster is usually used to reflect an individual's actions; especially, it shows for the wrong act of people. American history from the past to the present. The book is rich in history, pop culture references, and analysis. "The American past reads like something of a horror movie, maybe even a low-budget slasher. At times in the book a movie director is taken at his word, the reason for his film given authorial intent. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. A masterful survey of our grim and often disturbing past, Monsters in. as uncivilized people and even believed them to be monsters. 1 (1998): 90-102. FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00 shipped by Amazon. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Poole offers an insight on America's fascination with monsters. Marilynne Robinson 10 Freely Available Essays! But Africans were still human and had their morals, yet the Europeans saw them as a type of monster during the slave trade era. Spring 2022 Most Anticipated Books for Christian Readers! C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! With Monsters in America, W. Scott Poole has given us a guidebook for a journey into nightmare territory. "Sick," published by Abrams/Amulet). If you, like me, are both a person that loves old monster movies and cares about history, you'll find this book to be a fun read. | Harmon explains that in his cell. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. The Monster feels completely alienated: "none among the myriads of men" will take pity on him. The Monster argues that his murderousness is not his fault. Excellent study of the machinery of monsters and their meaning Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! After readingMonsters in America, a reader will view monsters in a completely different light. I do wish the author would've delved into certain subjects more as he did the last half of the book which was very compelling. Copyright 2023 That's What She Read. Wendell Berry Poems Seven of Our Favorites! Spring 2021 Most Anticipated Books for Christian Readers! Wed love to have you back! It is a frightening world we live in, yet the horrific things in our literature and culture play a vital part in helping us reach some understanding, and even some peace about them. He also makes notes about his movie and about details he observes in court. Steve writes about his fear, anger, and pain and his rising sense of panic about the outcome of his trial. Before you get all "He's Anti-American!" You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Fall 2021 Most Anticipated Books for Christian Readers! I found it to be a perfect model for critical thinking about the social representations of various popular monsters, and the book led to wonderful class discussions. But honestly, most folks go to horror films for what they would say is the hell of it. Some people enjoy being scared, period. The pages are littered with characterizations which demonize only a conservative set of ideas. Suppose someone wanted to trace American history through the common coffee cup. Produced by Johns Hopkins University Press in collaboration with The Sheridan Libraries. Michelangelo Biographies Best Books on the Renaissance Artist! creating and saving your own notes as you read. Please wait while we process your payment. W. Scott Poole is Professor of History at the College of Charleston, where he teaches courses on monsters, pop culture, and American history. Usually just called Athena, this goddess emerges from Zeus's head fully-grown and armed. Monsters are not just fears of the individual psyche, historian Scott Poole explains, but are concoctions of the public imagination, reactions to cultural influences, social change, and historical events. Analysis The monster tells Victor:"You must create a female for me with whom I can live in the interchange of those sympathies necessary for my being." Victor refuses and then later relents to the monster's wishes. Sex and violence are the recurring themes of the book, but Poole always provides context for why they recur so often. the bell witch, the roanaoke colony, etc.) Best Bob Dylan Books Biographies, Lyrics, and More! He tells his story through handwritten notes and a typewritten screenplay. I love ghost stories and folklore because they reveal an aspect of history and popular thinking in an entertaining way. Course Hero is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university. W. Scott Poole is Professor of History at the College of Charleston. Imprint: Baylor University Press. . An excellent history of the American obsession with monsters, Poole analyzes our religious and nationalist beliefs to see how we have dealt with the Other in our long, horrifying existence as a nation. The book's unusual range is one of its contributions; its freshness of juxtaposition is another. Buy now: [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ]. An interesting and accessible overview of the link between American history and the monsters that fascinate them. You can find more scary stories from him on Twitter: @monstersamerica. Monsters in America. Consulting newspaper accounts, archival materials, personal papers, comic books, films, and oral histories, Poole adroitly illustrates how the creation of the monstrous "other" not only reflects society's fears but shapes actual historical behavior and becomes a cultural reminder of inhuman acts. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! I am fiercely passionate about two things: History and Monsters. Whether your interest is literature, American history, popular culture, race and ethnicity, women's studies, or religion, you would be happy reading this book. Highly recommended for horror or monster fans with an interest in American history; slightly less so for American history buffs with a hobby in monster entertainments. From our colonial past to the present, the monster in all its various forms has been a staple of American culture. Our main man wonders how anyone can get used to the slammer. Sophfronia Scott - The Seeker and the Monk [Review], James Atwood - Collateral Damage - Brief Review, Emily M.D. Consulting newspaper accounts, archival materials, personal papers, comic books, films, and oral histories, Poole adroitly illustrates how the creation of the monstrous"other"not only reflects society's fears but shapes actual historical behavior and becomes a cultural reminder of inhuman acts.Monsters in America is now online at www.monstersinamerica.com. The medical examiner states the time of Mr. Nesbitts death. Whats worse is how these monster images exist even until today. Component 2: Summary. Steve testifies that he did not take part in the drugstore robbery or discuss it with anyone before it happened. I found it informative, fascinating, thought-provoking and well-written. Dorothy Moore, a cousin of Kings, testifies that King was with her at the time of the robbery. You can view our. Consulting newspaper accounts, archival materials, personal papers, comic books, films, and oral histories, Poole adroitly illustrates how the creation of the monstrous "other" not only reflects society's fears but shapes actual historical behavior and becomes a cultural reminder of inhuman acts. Contact us After a minute elapses from the time David, Billy and Brent enter the store, a man, Jeff Miller, a local townsperson, flies into the market, bloodied and frantic. There he teaches courses on monsters, pop culture, and American history. Insightful and brilliant! BUY . Best Johnny Cash Books Biographies and More! He argues that our myth of conquering the monster has made us particularly inclined to turn other groups of human beings into monsters and to justify their oppression or domination. Renews March 11, 2023 Its a story that begins with the history of the dark lady of late night horror and branches out into a discussion of the Beats, Bebop Jazz, the birth of rock and roll and the social protest movements of the 1960s. Monsters in America (2nd ed.) The jury returns verdicts of guilty for James King and not guilty for Steve Harmon. Pallas Athena Roman name: Minerva. A masterful survey of our grim and often disturbing past, Monsters in America uniquely brings together history and culture studies to expose the dark obsessions that have helped create our national identity. Friedrich Nietzsche believed we are the monsters. . In a nutshell, monsters for Poole are metaphors / stand-ins for whoever is loathed or feared in a certain historical context. Poole does justice to judgment; the focus of some horror films. Poole seeks to undermine myths of American exceptionalism by locating monsters that he believes exist outside our psyche, in history. I highly recommend this for fans of the horror genre and anthropology. View all I would love something like this for the UK. Steve records suicidal thoughts and violent prison incidents. Learn how your comment data is processed. He states that he knows James King and Osvaldo Cruz, but only casually. Jos Delgado, an employee of the drugstore, tells how he found Mr. Nesbitts body and noticed that cash and cigarettes were missing. He is the author of several books, including a biography of H.P Lovecraft, which became a Bram Stoker award finalist, and Wasteland: The Great War and the Origins of Modern Horror. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Read the chapter-by-chapter Summary & Analysis, a Full Book Summary, or Full Book Analysis of Monster. Steves parents are glad he is home, but the distance between Steve and his father is growing. Historian W. Scott Poole distinguishes himself by focusing on the American context, providing a history told through the personified expressions of our anxieties and fears. You'll also receive an email with the link. Poole summarizes, Perhaps our own beliefs about monsters and their intractable nature help to produce the monsters we fear the most (164). St. Augustine Best Books on His Life and Work, Holy Sonnets John Donne Complete Text. I'm just saying that throughout the country's history, there have been some pretty dark times. Regardless of the gruesome event, whether it's the Salem Witch Trials back in the 1600s or 9/11 just 10 years ago, one thing remains constant: Americans are obsessed with them. Browning's research, including extensive field work in New Orleans, has uncovered a subculture of . (Greg Garrett, Faithful Citizenship blogger and author of, One Fine Potion: The Literary Magic of Harry Potter, (John David Smith, Charles H. Stone Distinguished Professor of American History, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte), W. Scott Poole is Professor of History at the College of Charleston. Friedrich Nietzsche believed we are the monsters. In her closing argument for the State, Petrocelli stresses the importance of the stolen cigarettes in proving who committed the crime. Poole states that, in actuality, that the Europeans saw the natives as uncivilized people and even believed them to be monsters. Mrs. Henry testifies to being in the drugstore and seeing two young Black men arguing with the store owner. Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2012. Want 100 or more? Here we not only meet such monsters but also discover America's cultural monstrosity. For the record, I'm *not* well versed on the horror genre due to my fear of almost every popular culture monster. When social conservatives oppose something, like - say -. From Victorian-era mad scientists to modern-day serial killers, new monsters appear as American society evolves, paralleling fluctuating challenges to the cultural status quo. The book takes you from the trenches at Ypres to the backlots of Universal Studios and introduces you to the artists, writers, and directors who shaped the world of horror we know today from their own encounter with the carnage of the Great War. With Monsters in America, W. Scott Poole has given us a guidebook for a journey into nightmare territory. Poole states that, in actuality, that the Europeans saw the natives. Poole argues that "Monstrous metaphors in American historical life have a way of becoming realthey are intertwined with attitudes and social structures that make the monster possible. does a bang-up job of demonstrating how our culture helps us achieve some sort of understanding about our world and our lives. Not only is it written in a fun, easy to relate to voice, but it is also chock full of info. 2023 Project MUSE. In his new preface and expanded conclusion, Pooles tale connects to the presentillustrating the relationship between current social movements and their historical antecedents. Its cohesive, cursory, and has a smattering of typos. From Victorian-era mad scientists to modern-day serial killers. Social commentary may drive sub-text but money drives the movie. This book is really good, a look at our monsters in a social conceptional way. Anne Bradstreet Poems Five of our Favorites by the Puritan Poet! More than mere metaphors, they are creations of human fears and human ignorance. A.They would back the federal government against another state B.They would support, What issue was at the root of the nullification crisis of 1832, which turned many Virginia Republicans against Andrew Jackson? Why are we scared of this person? is always a question behind each chapter and Poole is careful to never reduce it purely to matters of sociology or psychology while still using those tools of analysis. I also think this could've used a second editor before being published as there are many typos and grammatical errors, as well as a few points that could've used some fact-checking. "Rue Morgue" magazine called it "the best biography of H.P. Foregrounding the racism and injustice of the legal system, the novel is a crime story, a courtroom drama, and an account of a young teens search for identity. In Virginia's sectional differences, what natural boundary marked the dividing line between the traditional thinkers and those desiring reforms to have greater representation? Some of his writings can be accessed at www.warpandwoof.org. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Bram Stoker Award finalist W. Scott Poole is the author of numerous books and articles on monsters and mayhem in popular culture. The second edition of Monsters leads readers deeper into Americas tangled past to show how monsters continue to haunt contemporary American ideology. Poole brings to life American horror stories by framing them within folk belief, religion, and popular culture, broadly unraveling the idea of the monster. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% The State rests its case. Subscribe now. She tells the jury that James King and Steve Harmon, along with two other criminals, robbed a drugstore. From our colonial past to the present, the monster in all its various forms has been a staple of American culture. Stamped on American culture, the phrase brings to mind images of costumes, plastic masks, and parents holding the hands of little monsters as they collect candy calories. The book made a few strong points, but ultimately it was a mediocre read. The brother of Zeus and Poseidon, Hades rules the underworld, the realm of the dead, with his wife, Persephone. "New light" evangelists of the eighteenth century, enslaved African Americans, demagogic politicians, and modern American film-makers have used the devil to damn their enemies, explain the nature of evil and injustice, mount social crusades, construct a national identity, and express anxiety about matters as . Edna St. Vincent Millay Five of our Favorite Poems ! An unexpected guilty pleasure! Monsters in America has without a doubt earned a spot on my favorite books of 2011. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. We can anticipate either alien salvation or judgment from beyond. I have an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Powells Books and IndieBound. Wright Books An Introductory Reading Guide to The Theologians Work, Joy Harjo Poems Five of the Best Poems by the US Poet Laureate, John ODonohue Poems Four of our Favorites. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Excellent study of the machinery of monsters and their meaning in American history. uniquely brings together history and culture studies to expose the dark obsessions that have helped create our national identity. They are manifestations of our society. Conflicting anxieties about race, class, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, science, and politics manifest as haunting beings among the populace. Often fascinating attempt to look at monsters through the lens of American history, Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2011. The image freezes as the screenplay ends. Conflicting anxieties about race, class, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs, science, and politics manifest as haunting beings among the populace. Hes never less than canny on the pop culture angle: Dracula and Frankenstein are almost everywhere in the book, his insights into the fear of zombies are sharp, the comparison of Patrick Bateman and Dexter Morgan is inspired, and the analysis of fifties icons like Vampira and the Addams family are very good. Especially enlightening is the the animistic portrayal and subsequent fear of African-Americans that has permeated society since they were first brought to the Americas on slave ships. Briggs presents his defense of King. Author W. Scott Poole takes a look at America's fascination with the macabre in his book. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Victor sees the monster's point of view and agrees to create a mate for the monster. However, this book was not only as easy read, but incredibly enlightening, eye-opening, and thrilling. Thanks to Poole's insights we see the ubiquity of the monster lurking in and around us.