The Use of Altered States of Consciousness in Poems - Essay Example

These perspectives are reinforced by the mythical approach that Coleridge has taken. He describes the almost superhuman power that Kubla possesses through the fear that the speaker wishes to impart on his ‘subjects’. The same mysticism applies to his desire to be the demon lover, which shares the same divine and scary characteristics.
The use of altered states of consciousness was popular among writers and poets in the Romantic Movement. It is important to note that the narrative was based on an opium-influenced dream. As a result, the poem features some hallucinatory aspects. The instance of ‘flashing eyes’ and ‘floating hair’ correlates to the tenets of the movement. It idealized the use of imagination over the power of reason. In that respect, Coleridge utilizes his imagination to develop a narrative that personifies his character as that of Kubla Khan. The movement appreciated the use of religious and divine ideals, as opposed to rational content related to scientific knowledge. The same Romantic ideals have been used in developing mystic themes and references in the narrative. The speaker highlights the dread that engulfs his ‘subjects’ and invokes divine practices as part of their response to Kubla. For example, Coleridge explains ‘weave a circle around him thrice… (Coleridge 51)’

Mary Shelley lived at a time when societies were at a crossroads. In her time, the world was engulfed in thought concerning various philosophical concerns, which were centred on the well-being of the human individual. For example, the political philosophy of the time was focused on natural rights, enfranchisement and what constitutes human nature. This was a time that slavery existed legally in parts of the world. In that respect, Shelley develops the nature of her monster as part of her revolutionary ideals. She believed in inequality among individuals, and that each has his/her own right to determination. Similarly, the narrative exposes her beliefs in the representation of disability. The monster appears physically disoriented, and its body is considered repulsive. As a result, it is discriminated against by the larger society. However, Shelley disputes this ideal that had permeated the societies of the time. She highlights that physical differences to ‘normal’ people did not change their human nature. In that regard, she grants the monster equal cognitive and lingual ability to ‘normal’ people. This serves as a representation of her revolutionary stance on natural rights.

The monster may be regarded as autistic by some. At the time, disabled people were disregarded in society, and seen as foolish and unfruitful individuals. The presentation of the monster contravenes these ideals and may be regarded as revolutionary. However, Shelley’s monster highlights that disabled individuals can maintain their productivity. This is seen through the monster’s intellect and actions. In that respect, Shelley speaks out against oppression, which may be regarded as a revolutionary idea. This is seen through the themes of anger and loneliness that surround the monster. The author explores her revolutionary views on equality by developing her monster as a being that possesses human nature. This is seen through her monster’s cognitive development. It begins by attempting to connect with other human beings through pre-verbal gestures. This may be related to the relation between a child and its parent. In that regard, all beings are equal since they feature common characteristics since the beginning of their existence. This could be applied to the issues regarding slavery and natural rights which dominated thought at the time.

Heathcliff has been described as a devil by different characters in the narrative. This may be attributable to various aspects of his nature. Firstly, his appearance is different from other people around him, as a result of his race. Due to his unknown origins, Heathcliff is regarded as ‘an imp of Satan’ (Bronte 5). This nature results in his mistreatment by other people, who starve and work him. His presence also created a bad atmosphere around the house. The devil is commonly related to evil acts in religious narratives, which typically involve some form of violence. Heathcliff utilizes devilish acts such as threats and violence to achieve his objectives.

Heathcliff appears as a violent character in the novel, which suits his devilish character. He maintains extreme violence as a means of expression. He utilizes these acts as a means for highlighting his love and hate for various things. For example, he hangs Isabella Linton’s dog in a fit of rage as he yearns for revenge. He terms these violent acts as ‘extracurricular activities’ (Bronte 14.35-42). Through several instances, it is seen that Heathcliff actually has a passion for violence. Similarly, he has little regard for his son and shows no tolerance for him. However, he also utilizes violence to highlight his sympathy as seen in his defensiveness towards Catherine. Despite his actions towards Catherine, he appears to have little concern for other people. In fact, he perpetuates harm to them through violence and disregard for their welfare. Heathcliff is, therefore, a visionary character of the devilish sort.