Vivian Daley

English 112B

Professor Warner

Spring 2007

Supernatural Phenomena: Fact or Fiction?

The Supernatural (Latin: super-�above� + nature) pertains to entities, forces or

Phenomena which are regarded by some as beyond nature, in that they cannot

be explained from the notions, and laws of the everyday world. Religious

miracles are typical of such �supernatural� manifestations, as are spells and

curses, divination, the notion that there is an afterlife for the dead, and innumerable

others. Supernatural themes are often associated with magical and occult ideas. ( Wikepedia)

This is a definition of the supernatural phenomena which can be agreed with or argued against. Generation after generation has seen the passing on of such stories. From supernatural tales found in books, by word of mouth, around a campfire, to movies, etc. Young adults have found themselves surrounded by such phenomena and have formed their own opinions based off of stories and media. The supernatural genre is a popular one as can be seen by the number of successful movies made and bestselling books. Young adults need not deal with the supernatural phenomena as a serious issue but rather one meant for entertainment. Whether an individual chooses to believe if this is actually a fact or merely fiction is up to each person and can be used as an interesting debate in a classroom environment. Opinions can be based off of movies, television, written work or by word of mouth from another individual.

The works included in this annotated bibliography all feature aspects of the supernatural phenomena. Many questions can be raised from these works. Such as: How much of this can be real? How much is entertainment only? Hopefully, through these works young adults can enjoy the genre and discuss the fact or fiction aspect.

Literature

Anson, Jay. The Amityville Horror. Publisher: Pocket Books (July 1991) ISBN: 1-4165-0769-7. Class presentation for Eng 112B: May 2,2007.

In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into their new home on suburban Long Island. George and Kathleen Lutz knew that one year earlier, Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers, and sisters in the house, but the property-complete with boathouse and swimming pool�and the price had been too good to pass up. Twenty-eight days later, the entire Lutz family fled in terror�

This is the spellbinding, bestselling true story that gripped the nation�the story of a house possessed by evil spirits, haunted by psychic phenomena almost too terrible to describe.

This book can be discussed for its strong statement of being a true story. Issues can be brought up that are relevant to teens. Having to get used to a step parent, a new house and the biggest issue which would be to live in a house where several murders took place. This book may not be a lighthearted as other ones due to the claim made that the story is true. Factually the murders did take place which in itself makes the mood of this book somewhat somber.

Axelsson, Majgull. April Witch. Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks; (1997) ISBN: 0812966880.

Desiree lies in a hospital bed thinking, dreaming. Born severely disable, she cannot walk or talk, but she has other capabilities. Desiree is an April witch, clairvoyant and omniscient, traveling through time and space into the world denied her.

The woman who gave Desiree up at birth subsequently took in three foster daughters, who know nothing of the existence of their fourth �sister.� Sensing that her own time is short, Desiree has decided that one of the other has lived the life she herself deserved. One day, each of the three women receives a mysterious letter that forces her to examine her past and her present�setting in a complex fugue of memory, regret, and confrontation that has a shattering climax.

This book does not make the claim that it is a true story so young adults can see what kind of differences and similarities exist between the �factional� book versus the �fictional� one. The mood is not as somber and young adults may be able to relate to the main character when she is dealing with feeling like an outcast.

Levin, Ira. Rosemary�s Baby. Publisher: Random House Inc; (1967)

Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse were delighted at the chance to move into the Bramford, one of Manhattan�s oldest and most celebrated apartment house. Their friend Hutch urged them not to; he knew of too many shadows in the Bramford�s past�unsavory tenants like Adrian Marcato, who had practiced witchcraft , and the monstrous Trench sisters. But Rosemary and Guy were clear-thinking and not at all superstitious; they dismissed Hutch�s warnings and moved in.

At first they were completely happy. Rosemary hung curtains and planned a nursery for the baby she hoped to have some day. Guy pursued his career as a stage and television actor. They met their neighbors, who were friendly and unintrusive. And then, one day when Rosemary was down in the basement laundry room, a girl her own age came in�.

This book has many different aspects that can be discussed and related too. The excitement of moving somewhere new. The planning of a baby. Career choices that need to be made and the belief in religion. Its mood is a bit somber but it is a book that is fictional and hard to put down.

Levin, Ira. Son of Rosemary. Publisher: Penguin Group; ( September 1997) ISBN: 0525943749.

Son of Rosemary opens at the dawn of the new millennium�a time when human hope is shadowed by growing fear and uncertainty, and the world is in greatest need of a savior. It is here�against the glittering backdrop of New York City in 1999�that Rosemary is reunited with her son. It is also here that the battle between good and evil will be played out on a global scale�a struggle that will have frightening, far-reaching consequences, not only for Rosemary and her son but for all of humanity.

This sequel to the original is the continuation of the supernatural forces that dominate the first book. Young adults can discuss the religious aspects and think back to the millennium and what they feared or thought at the time. The book is quite somber and at times far-fetched which would make for another discussion on whether this book is more realistic than not.

Poetry

Ebert, Gerry. �The Uninvited.�

This poem uses various aspects of the supernatural phenomena. �The Uninvited� is appropriate because it explores the nature of life and death and can be used to raise questions about the supernatural.

Television

Ghost Whisperer: The Complete Series. CBS Production, 2005.

Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love-Hewitt) communicates with earthbound spirits, ghosts who cling to the living because they have unfinished business that prevents them from moving beyond the familiar plane of existence that we call life.

This series addresses issues that young adults face every day: life, death, friendships, guys, and work. Young adults can relate to the dilemmas faced by the lead character in the series.

Charmed: The Complete Series. The CW Television Network. Oct 1998- May 2006.

Three sisters (Prue, Piper, and Phoebe) reunite and unlock their powers to become the Charmed Ones-the most powerful witches to exist.

This show portrays sisters that must overcome obstacles together by using their magical powers and common sense. Young adults may be able to relate with the problems faced by the three sisters and may also be able to relate to the sibling rivalry that occurs amongst them.

Music

Evanescence. My Immortal. Sony, 2005.

This song addresses the sadness one feels over the loss of a loved one and the wounds that seem that will never heal. Sometimes the daily struggle of being faced with a loved one�s death can make us feel haunted by memories.

Movies

Ghost. Paramount Pictures. 1990.

After being killed during a botched mugging, a man�s love for his partner enables him to remain on earth as a ghost.

This movie deals with love, the loss of it, betrayal and hope. Many young adults may be able to relate to the pain of losing a loved one and the hope of knowing that that person has passed to a better life.

Sixth Sense. Barry Mendel Productions. 1999.

A boy who communicates with spirits that don�t know they�re dead seeks the help of a disheartened child psychologist.

This movie portrays a young boy is rejected at school and is a loner. Young adults may be able to relate to this or know of someone who could. Most every young adult has felt rejected at one point or another and this movie shows realistic portrayals of peer pressure and fitting in versus being an individual.