new monsters appear as American society evolves, paralleling fluctuating challenges to the cultural status quo. The strongest witness for the State is Richard Bobo Evans, who admits that he took part in the robbery. You can find more scary stories from him on Twitter: @monstersamerica. It's a comprehensive look into ghoulish, weird, and woke world--10/10. Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. 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. For Poole Halloween means more trick than treat; we discover that the monsters are us. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. OBrien tells Steve he will have to testify on his own behalf and put some distance between himself and King. While real monsters do exist, the reality of our own monstrosities mirrors not a national heritage as much as our human heritage. You can find more scary stories from him on Twitter: @monstersamerica. Poole has set the bar ridiculously high for any future research exploring the locus of historical and cultural studies, particularly as it pertains to the horrific. Monsters In America challenges, enlightens, and, quite honestly, frightens in its prescient view of American history, as well as the seeming ubiquity of the monsters of our past and probable future. Another problem for Steve is that James King, a young Black hood, is Steves co-defendant. "Sick," published by Abrams/Amulet). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I had trouble finding a consistent narrative in a book that talked about sea monsters, Bigfoot, Universal Movie Monsters, Freak-shows, and several other topics, and never spending enough time on any of them to feel like I was more informed after reading. Monster is usually used to reflect an individual's actions; especially, it shows for the wrong act of people. All rights reserved. Twelve Important Theology Books of 2021!!! 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. Please provide specific examples to support your answers. Poole wants to tell a story and take his readers on a journey, and he definitely does so. A Midsummer Night's Dream (No Fear Shakespeare) by SparkNotes QUICK ADD Macbeth (No Fear Shakespeare) by SparkNotes QUICK ADD Hamlet (No Fear Shakespeare) by SparkNotes QUICK ADD Julius Caesar (No Fear Shakespeare) by SparkNotes QUICK ADD Othello (No Fear Shakespeare) by SparkNotes QUICK ADD Twelfth Night (No Fear Shakespeare) by SparkNotes Wed love to have you back! The new edition extends this analysis to shed light on some of the darker developments in recent American political culture. | Friedrich Nietzsche believed we are the monsters. He rightly frets over our technology which ineffectively obscures the divine and so Americans create vampire stories which take Gods place (59): Americans are still attempting to apprehend mystery in the midst of supernatural confusion (11). 2023 Baylor University Press. It's no secret that America is a little messed up. His footnotes have left me with a massive pile Poole walks readers through the American history of monsters, matching horror trends to American epochs, where it turns out our sociopolitical climate influences the monsters we laud and follow in fiction, film, and the media. Novelist Sheri Holman calls the book "a subversive masterpiece.". It blends popular culture and American history to present a unique perspective oh why and how we create and perpetuate the monsters we fear most. Monster Culture - University at Buffalo OBrien gathers her papers and moves away, leaving Steve standing with outstretched arms. Monster is told as a first-person account by Steve Harmon, a Black teenager on trial for felony murder in New York. The Monster feels completely alienated: "none among the myriads of men" will take pity on him. 1960-1980 3. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! She identifies James King as being one of the two young men. Penn State folklorist Bill Ellis called the book "required reading for . All content is original and cannot be copied without permission. Monstrosity - Monstrous Beginnings They are created to explain racism, cover up worse monstrosities and signal changes and the state of the nation at the time. He reminds the jury of the witnesses criminal records and contends that their unreliability casts reasonable doubt on Kings guilt. I wasn't ready for the overtly sociological approach of the book, and was expecting a history, as alluded to in the title of the book. 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. I used this as a textbook for a themed English course: Monsters, Myths, and Magic. There he teaches courses on monsters, pop culture, and American history. That being said, however, if you are a teacher who needs to get a class full of barely literate college freshmen to understand what it means to read / think about things in historical context, Poole's introduction, "The Bloody chords of Memory," is readable and accessible even for a group of resistant and vaguely engaged (at best) 18 year olds. Dracula (1931) is based on the fear of foreigners and disease. In his new preface and expanded conclusion, Pooles tale connects to the presentillustrating the relationship between current social movements and their historical antecedents. Unless specifically stated in the review, I have purchased all books reviewed. Chapters three and four in my copy of the book, for instance, are littered with questions: How did we get here? This is a logical leap! and What??! Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. 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. One wishes for a consistency in commentary. Social commentary may drive sub-text but money drives the movie. Christopher Columbus came to the Americas searching for gold, slaves, and monsters. 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. I had to read this for a class (one I wasn't too stoked about, if I'm being honest) and went into it with a pretty closed mind. Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2014. Copyright 2023 That's What She Read. Get help and learn more about the design. (254) 710-3164. She asks the jury to recall how Steve conducted himself on the witness stand and to compare Steve with Sal Zinzi, Bobo Evans, and Osvaldo Cruz before they decide who is believable. Name: Kim Hoan Tran Dr. Che 07/08/2019 Summary Paper Summary of Monstrous Beginning In Monster in America written by W. Scott Poole, especially the chapter called "Monstrous Beginnings". When social conservatives oppose something, like - say -. The author explores American History and how people's fears and reactions to changes in society both affected and were affected by monsters in print and film. He decides to make a movie about his experience. Omer-Sherman, Ranen. If you're looking for an introductory book to the subject, it's a great resource. It's rarely happy news being reported. Michelangelo Biographies Best Books on the Renaissance Artist! 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. The old newspaper adage still holds true today. Summary.docx - October 18th 2017 Writing 1010 Summary In Monsters in America Summary (1).docx - Marshall1 Jenna religious texts and newspaper accounts of "satanic panics" into a highly readable analysis of the concept of the devil in American cultural history. Poole seeks to undermine myths of American exceptionalism by locating monsters that he believes exist outside our psyche, in history. This is such an interesting and compelling about our connection to the monstrous and the monstrous' role in expressing national anxieties in our popular media. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! 1945-1960 2.) It was the first-ever Michael L. Printz Award recipient, an ALA Best Book, a Coretta Scott King Honor selection, and a National Book Award finalist. Please use a different way to share. However, this book was not only as easy read, but incredibly enlightening, eye-opening, and thrilling. Monsters in America Project chapter ( 2,3,4,5,6,7) What becomes disturbingly apparent is that most of Americas hatred of the Other is based in Christian religious belief. In "Monstrous beginnings," the introductory chapter of "Monsters in America: Our Historical, Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting" by W. Scott Poole, the author makes an argument, about how monsters were not only used as entertainment, but were also used as an excuse to, justify the offenses done to the Native Americans as well as the slaves brought from Africa by, the European settlers. 20% Call me crazy, but I don't think a historian's role ought to be the reaffirmation of modern feelings of superiority over everyone else who has ever lived. Pallas Athena Roman name: Minerva. Associated with war, cleverness, and wit, it is no surprise that she favors Odysseus. Poole's connection of the monster to American history is a kind of Creature Features meets American cultural history. At times in the book a movie director is taken at his word, the reason for his film given authorial intent. 20% Acknowledgements: Thank you to Kelly Hughes from Dechant-Hughes for my review copy! The Monster argues that his murderousness is not his fault. 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. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? InMonsters in America,Scott Poole asks these thought-provoking questions while traveling through American history following the evolution of the monster over time. I hoped to expand my interaction in the genre, albeit from an American point of view. does a bang-up job of demonstrating how our culture helps us achieve some sort of understanding about our world and our lives. Monsters in America does a phenomenal job examining American history through the lens of monsters and the monstrous. Title and sub-title encouraged my interest in securing a copy of Monsters in America for review. 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. This item: Monsters in America: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting by W. Scott Poole Paperback $34.99 The Monster Theory Reader by Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock Paperback $45.11 On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears by Stephen T. Asma Paperback $28.95 What other items do customers buy after viewing this item? The two defense counsels, OBrien and Briggs, establish that the witnesses are testifying for the State in return for reduced sentences. "Angels, Monsters, and Jews: Intersections of Queer and Jewish Identity in Kushner's "Angels in America."" PMLA 113, no. In this way he resembles Frankenstein, who alienates himself by pursuing forbidden knowledge. The image freezes as the screenplay ends. I feel like three stars is generous for a book that did not bring me any new insights, but it was neither especially good nor especially bad. Poole invites us into an important and enlightening, if disturbing, conversation about the very real monsters that inhabit the dark spaces of America's past. Visit the new website for more about the book, upcoming events, and to keep up with Scott Poole's blog. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Steve calls the movie Monster because that is what the prosecutor has called him. Mary Oliver Essays 10 Prose Selections to Read for Free Online! Summary (final draft).docx - Name: Kim Hoan Tran Dr. Che I have an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Powells Books and IndieBound. Author W. Scott Poole takes a look at America's fascination with the macabre in his book. Poole's connection of the monster to American history is a kind of Creature Features meets American cultural history. But he also shows that the monstrous can be sympathetic, that it can also be used by the oppressed to speak back to the mainstream. From Victorian-era mad scientists to modern-day serial killers. The opening chapter introduces several motifs that will be present throughout the story. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Its not a salacious book, either. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Salvatore Zinzi, a prisoner at the Rikers Island jail, testifies that another prisoner, Wendell Bolden, told him about the drugstore robbery. Monsters in America is lively and entertaining throughout. I heard the author on Coast to Coast, and even though he had that dry, flat Midwestern accent (sort of like Margaret Hamilton in "The Wizard of Oz") I knew I had to get the book. Purchasing After readingMonsters in America, a reader will view monsters in a completely different light. Monsters in America (2nd ed.) Dont have an account? Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Free trial is available to new customers only. He states that he knows James King and Osvaldo Cruz, but only casually. The brother of Zeus and Poseidon, Hades rules the underworld, the realm of the dead, with his wife, Persephone. incredibly rewarding and fulfilling reading. Monsters in America has without a doubt earned a spot on my favorite books of 2011. The State rests its case. Probably more 3.5 stars. Satan in America: The Devil We Know by W. Scott Poole - Goodreads Poole suggests monsters are created by America to mask its own monstrosities or monsters exist which interpret American culture. on 50-99 accounts. She continues to assert that Steve served as the lookout for the robbery and is as guilty as the others. Indeed, the reader may struggle as I did with the leaps Poole makes between monster movies and American social ills. Pooles book becomes a tired screed against those whose political-social viewpoints are antithetic to his own. Monsters are here to stay. Monster was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2018. He decides to make a movie about his experience. Sex and violence are the recurring themes of the book, but Poole always provides context for why they recur so often. [Pooles] book is sufficiently clear and engaging for general readers to enjoy and would make a worthwhile addition to undergraduate course in American history or culture. These summaries should not exceed one page in length. From our colonial past to the present, the monster in all its various forms has been a staple of American culture. Poole never assumes a 1-1 metaphor, but he does show how common themes (the reemergence of the vampire at different points in American history, for example) are useful shorthand for working through these anxieties. Flashbacks in Steves screenplay show Steve playing on the streets, listening to Mr. Sawicki, his film club mentor, and hanging out with James King and Osvaldo Cruz. By the end of the book, Poole cautions that Americas monsters arent going away anytime soon. Thanks to Poole's insights we see the ubiquity of the monster lurking in and around us. Steve testifies that he did not take part in the drugstore robbery or discuss it with anyone before it happened. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. 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. We can anticipate either alien salvation or judgment from beyond. Angels in America Bibliography | GradeSaver Monster Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary , Poole has now turned his attention to the monsters that inhabit American cinema and American imaginations. Salem witches, frontier wilderness beasts, freak show oddities, alien invasions, Freddie Krueger. I want to start out by saying that I absolutely love the notion behind this book. I love ghost stories and folklore because they reveal an aspect of history and popular thinking in an entertaining way. BUY . 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. Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. Component 2: Summary. ", Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. Monsters in America is W. Scott Pooles interpretive history. 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. 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. Steves lawyer, Kathy OBrien, urges Steve to take his situation seriously because this crime could put him in jail for twenty years or more. The little monsters who come to our doors for candy at Halloween are small reminders of our large problem. In the follow-up to his first book, Satan in America, Poole has now turned his attention to the monsters that inhabit American cinema and American imaginations. The man immediately begins screaming about something hidden in the mist that is attacking and killing people. 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. This proven textbook also studies the social location of contemporary horror films, exploring, for example, how Get Out emerged from the context of the Black Lives Matter movement. Go to BN.com to get your copy of these helpful resources. Excellent study of the machinery of monsters and their meaning in American history. All opinions expressed are uniquely my own. the bell witch, the roanaoke colony, etc.) Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! Here's where you'll find important quotesfrom Monsterand explanations of them. Monster Chapter 1 | Shmoop Monsters in America is lively and entertaining throughout. 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. In a nutshell, monsters for Poole are metaphors / stand-ins for whoever is loathed or feared in a certain historical context. Continue to start your free trial. Instead of representing the "us vs them" mentality, monsters are much closer so home: they are us. (one code per order). View all Students will maintain a list of unfamiliar words they come across in the chapter. Pooles bibliography is an additional treat as it includes many excellent books for further reading or study - "1973 Nervous Breakdown: Watergate, Warhol, and the Birth of Post-Sixties America" and "Sacred Terror: Religion and Horror on the Silver Screen" were two titles that jumped out at me thats so full that one could even write their own treatment on the subject. I feel like the author did a great job at deconstructing America's social issues and how they connect to the monsters/fears/entertainment of the time. Poole explains his parameters of a monsters nature from the outside, in: monsters are a product of our collective hatreds outside the human psyche. By so delimiting his interpretation, Poole mirrors his stated concern for other theories that monster interpretations are reductive and overdeterminative (13-18). Excellent examination of horror movies evolution through the years and also how societal happenings influence the movies at the time they are made. Poole's examples are well-chosen and well-explicated. Poole brings to life American horror stories by framing them within folk belief, religion, and popular culture, broadly unraveling the idea of the monster. 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. Dont have an account? Monster presents through the obvious things, for example, krakens or werewolves. for a customized plan. Academic, yet very accessible, I was fascinated by this book, and it holds a very special distinction as the only book I was required to buy for a college class that has Poole's book is fantastic, a terrific look at what makes monsters in film resonate in American culture. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! But a third interpretive option exists. Dorothy Sayers Poems Five of Our Favorites! Frankenstein: The Monster Quotes | SparkNotes 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. Evil brutes exist inside and outside American neighborhoods.

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