Superstitions in Poems - Natalie Naber 9A


Superstitions in Poems

 

   Imagine that you live in a world where every time a new belief or superstition is mentioned in a piece of writing, everyone starts believing it, and are taking it very seriously. This is what we are currently seeing in our world, where new beliefs from literature, and poems, are emerging and becoming believed by people around the world. Poems are playing a role in shaping people’s beliefs, through new, fictional superstitions mentioned. I believe that poems are making people believe in superstitions and that this is increasing over time.

    Poems aid in passing down old, traditional superstitions to future generations of specific cultures to keep them alive. This is also leading to the spread of these superstitions to other cultures, as these poems that mention superstitions are becoming more wide-spread, which are being believed in. This leads to the increase pf people’s beliefs in superstitions. An example of a poem that includes a superstition in it is: ““The Hollow” by Kelly Deschler where the poet’s beliefs are embedded within the poem.” This is relevant, as the poet’s beliefs are also believed by some readers of the poem who were affected by it. Poems also work on the creation of new superstitions.

    In addition to what has been previously mentioned, poems and other pieces of literature create new superstitions. This leads to the emerging of many new beliefs, which may also increase the amount of superstitions that people are believing in. An example of a piece of literature including a new superstition is: “Short story “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W Jacobs where the monkey’s paw is used as a symbol.” Many people started believing in this superstition portrayed in the short story. This is also seen in the poem: “Beware: Do not read this poem”, which describes a new superstition (a lady stuck in a mirror) which people started believing in as well. However, some people may disagree with my opinion.

    On the other hand, some people believe that poems do not play a role in shaping people’s superstitions. They believe that it does not increase the amount of superstitions, which stay the same. Evidence for this is seen in: (Russel, Bertard. Unpopular Essays, by Bertrand Russel. Allen & Unwin), which shows how some people believe that superstitions are believed in out of fear, which seems to be decreasing due to the increase in wisdom and use of facts nowadays.

    In conclusion, poems play a vital role in the development and emerging of superstitions. I strongly believe that poems and literature shape people’s beliefs. However, some people may differ in opinion.

 


 Very Superstitious | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/presence-mind/201810/very-superstitious. Accessed 24 Jan. 2024.

 

Work Cited:

““The Hollow” by Kelly Deschler where the poet’s beliefs are embedded within the poem.”

“Short story “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W Jacobs where the monkey’s paw is used as a symbol.”

(Russel, Bertard. Unpopular Essays, by Bertrand Russel. Allen & Unwin)

Very Superstitious | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/presence-mind/201810/very-superstitious. Accessed 24 Jan. 2024.

  

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