Scarewolves!

When I was a child, I used to love the idea of werewolves. I was a big fan of werewolf movies and used to pretend that I was a werewolf myself. I also think that werewolves hold a certain power over the minds and anxieties of society.

                I think that werewolves are a representation of loss of control, a fear that haunts many people. People that are werewolves are often portrayed as good themselves, but when their other nature takes over, they lose control and do horrible things they wouldn’t normally do. It’s scary for people to think about hidden primal desires taking over and not being able to suppress animal urges. Personally, I hate the idea of not being totally in control of my actions. I think constantly over all time there have been taboo actions that are shunned by society but are natural, human nature in many ways. I think the werewolf allows these desires to be set free.

                Another reason werewolves are scary is because they are part man, part animal. It is an unnatural figure to look at, and is extremely powerful. I think that people fear the line between human and animal. The awkward mix and painful transformation is uncomfortable, and therefore monstrous. I think that this video from the movie An American Werewolf in London is a perfect example of the disturbing feeling that is created during transformation from human to creature. His human nature is presented very well through dialogue, and the cracking and popping sounds of his body shifting form are certainly cringe worthy.

                I think the werewolf is often portrayed as a tragic monster. He is not always pure evil, but he does evil things when out of control. He is part rational human and part raging beast. Stopping him also puts fear in the hearts of many. The monster part should be killed, but the innocent part will have to go with it.

                I think werewolves have developed over time into very interesting, horrific icons.