'The Erl-King' is the most innovative and experimental of the narratives'

How far does this quotation support the statement?

'The woods enclose and then enclose again, like a system of Chinese boxes opening one into another; the intimate perspectives of the wood changed endlessly around in the interloper, the imaginary traveller walking towards an invented distance that perpetually receded before me. It is easy to lose yourself in these woods.'

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The Erl-King is one of the most memorable stories within the Bloody Chamber collection due to its varied and poetic language that entices and captures the imagination of the readers. This technique is often associated with the fairy-tale genre; a style that Carter's stories lend themselves to. Even though Carter has stated 'These are my own stories, they are not my version of the fairy-tale' we can see the similarities between the original European tale and the gothic stories Carter has created. All of her stories, though fairy-tale like, contain gruesome horror, advanced ideologies and feminist writings, making them unsuitable to children, challenging the fairy-tale conventions and making the stories ones of the Gothic genre. 'The Erl-King', although still a gothic story like the others, stands out from the rest and in my eyes, making it the most experimental and unconventional story within the collection. This quote is a glimpse of the varied techniques used within the narrative however it demonstrates the innovative language and her gothic approach.  

One of the first things we are introduced to as readers is the shift in narrative perspective, as the story starts with poetic language in third person but swiftly changes into second person. 'The imaginary traveller' refers to the narrator herself, as it is her who is journeying through the forest; however she refers to herself in third person. This shift in narrative voice links to the idea of identity and being both with and without herself, seeing what she is and what she is not. This adds an aspect of duality to the narrator, as (we find out the narrator is female) she is challenging the assumption there is one fixed identity of herself, meaning she can be what she wants to be whether it concerns looks, gender or sexuality; the 'invented journey' symbolising the metaphorical journey she is taking as she tries to find out who she is. This added confusion within the ability to switch between perspectives is unusual, and completely unconventional, especially within her other stories. For example, 'The Bloody Chamber' is told in retrospect, but also in first person; there is only one place with which it deviates from the narrative perspective, contained in the line 'until that moment this spoilt child'. The fact none of her other stories deviate from the norm, shows us that 'The Erl-King' is innovative and creative. It blurs the boundaries of the narrative, as we have to decipher where each perspective begins and ends, making it unlike anything else Carter has written.  

When the narrative is told in first person, it can be said that the narrator is dictating the story, giving her the power within the relationship between her and the Erl-King, influencing the way we think and feel about him with her use of description and retelling of events. This empowerment of the female character is the feminist thoughts of Carter influencing her writing, something we see in many of her other stories too. In contrast to the patriarchal society, Carter allows her female roles to speak for themselves and leaves the man with no control over how the story is told. This lack of male control within the way the story is told foreshadows the death of the Erl-King at the end of the story. The death is told in first person, and then third, showing the 'intimate perspectives' within the story; linking the events to Porphyria's Lover and the intimate death that occurs at the end of the poem. Carter reverses the stereotypical gender roles within this story, as unlike 'The Snow Child' the woman within this story is not helpless, and she uses violence to escape her predicament which isn't the stereotypical way for a female to behave, as they are described as passive and weak.   

Another way Carter has blurred the boundaries of gender is by describing the Erl-King as 'an excellent housewife' and a sub-human being, making him more effeminate and not the stereotypical masculine character such as The Marquis in 'The Bloody Chamber' or The Count in 'The Snow Child'. She goes against the patriarchal society by not only giving the female role power, but by stripping the Erl-King of masculinity, giving him a vulnerable side not portrayed in the other stories. The idea that you can be only one gender and have one fixed identity is explored in 'The Erl-King', as it can be suggested that the Erl-King is a woman trapped in a man's body; the 'green eyes' showing the jealousy of the character, as the captured women are beautiful and free, whilst the woman is trapped in a hideous shell. The 'Erl-King's' search for love and affection could derive from the idea the woman is not seen as a woman and wishes for people to think of her that way. These possible links to the transgender community shows that one fixed identity is unsustainable. Carter, fighting for equality, may have added this subtle idea to show that difference within sexuality and gender is something to be accepted and explored. However, if we do not look as deeply, the Erl-King could simply be an effeminate character used to show there are several sides to man, not just the violent, controlling and strong traits shown in several other stories. This idea links to the gothic convention of entrapment in a way that has not been explored within her other stories, making it original and creative, thought provoking and incredibly innovative, as it touches on many different themes, ideas and ideologies, as well as the difference in gender and character traits. 

Entrapment is a theme used throughout the collection of stories, whether it is physical entrapment within a castle, or emotional entrapment from not being able to escape a marriage. 'The woods enclose and then enclose again' demonstrates how Gothic the setting within 'The Erl-King' is. The repeating of the word 'enclose' emphasises the physical boundaries the narrator finds herself struggling against, and this is then continued further within the simile 'like a system of Chinese boxes, opening one into another', implying that the dangers she finds herself in are inescapable. The forest can be seen as an allegory for marriage; the Erl-King is her husband. 'It is easy to lose yourself in these woods' shows us that once you enter the world of marriage you can never escape, portraying men as 'devastating' and controlling; traits found in Carter's other stories also. 'Magic lasso of inhuman music' links to the story of the Pied Piper and his ability to lure children away; something the Erl-King demonstrates he can do, by enticing his victims and locking them in cages. However,  it is not the use of entrapment that makes this story unique, it is the sometimes complex and  poetic language used (as displayed in the given quote), that explores the idea so comprehensively, making it the most creative and  one of the most developed stories within the collection.  

Although there are many similarities between the collection of stories, 'The Erl-King' is simply hypnotising. The choice of language, the structure of the narrative and the narrative perspectives all collaborate to explore the boundaries of sexuality and gender as well as the feminist views of equality and empowerment. 'The Erl-King' is definitely 'Innovative and experimental' as it lends itself to the Gothic genre, contrasts with the fairy-tale and breaks conventions that are used in narratives not only by Carter, but universally.

 

 

'The Erl-King represents the very essence of man; selfish, unthinking, innocent and destructive'

How far do you agree? 

The Erl-King, as a character, can be described in all of the terms used above; however is it fair to say these are the essences of man? Carter has used a deliberately loathsome approach in her display of men throughout her works, influenced by her anger at the oppression and degradation of females within society, and her practise of feminism. Men however can be kind and gentle, as shown through the Erl-Kings ability to love the women he then traps in cages.

‘How cruel it is, to keep wild birds in cages! But he laughs at me when I say that’ shows the audience that the Erl-King may not fully understand the harm he is doing by keeping the women in cages; he only wants to serve his selfish purposes and doesn’t care about the effects on other  people; making him an unthinking person. His laugh can be taken in a sinister way, showing the malice and spite in which he is fully aware of the harm he is inflicting on the girls.

The Erl-Kings innocence however can be questioned, as an innocent man wouldn’t sleep with various girls and commit acts similar to that of a supernatural being (‘you sink your teeth into my throat’). The ‘innocence’ can be taken in an ironic way, as the ideologies of society mean that women are criticised more than men, for doing similar actions. The Erl-King is not accused by any of the women, there is no character to point out his wrongs; he is allowed to continue until he is killed at the end of the story; bringing about his own destruction. ‘The Erl-King will do you grievous harm’ clearly states the destructive behaviour of the character, and his ability to charm and entice his victims.  

The Erl-King does adhere to these character traits as he is selfish in taking the purity of women, unthinking as to what that might do to their reputation and image, innocent as he is never blamed and destructive because of his actions. In allegorical terms he represents man; the story depicting the power struggle and gender roles within society. The Erl-King can be seen as a villainous character, possibly portraying Carter’s views on men in general. 

'The Erl-King can be read as a journey into the unconscious'

How far do you agree? 

The strong Gothic elements, the strange character of the Erl-King, the location and the storyline all link to the idea that the story is a journey into the unconscious. 'Lucidity' is often a way to describe dreams, as 'lucid dreaming' is a realistic dream that feels like it's truly happening; something that could be happening to the narrator. However since she feels and sees so clearly, how can it be a dream? The blurred lines of reality and trickery is apparent here, as the narrator seems confused of her surroundings, describing things in various tenses, and seeing things that aren't truly there, but feature in her 'illusion' of the forest. This illusion could have been influenced by her slowly losing consciousness, becoming more distorted by the second. It could have, however, been created to describe her unconscious and what can be found there. Because of the oppression and the way women have been treated, their self-worth, confidence and pride may be shattered, adding a melancholy  bleak and dark touch to their minds; something Carter may have wanted to explore to show how the patriarchal society has affected us mentally. 

The monstrous character of the Erl-King, sounds so much like a fairytale villain, that it is hard to believe he is a character of this reality. 'He came alive from the desire of the woods' hints at a supernatural being, as he is not entirely human; supernatural beings concocted from various memories, brought together by the subconscious perhaps. The Gothic character of the Erl-King is described as being part of the forest, therefore part of the girls unconscious mind, showing how inescapable men and the dominating role in society is. 

The ending of the story can be seen as false in relation to reality, as the gender roles have been reversed - something society didn't intend to happen. The act it has happened, and has been described in the book, may link to the narrators wishes; not her actual surroundings. It can be inferred that because this has happened, the story must be a dream or happening in her unconscious mind, because a woman taking control and wielding her power over a male is not the expected action, and could never - in a misogynistic opinion - happen in real life, as women are weak and submissive. 

On the other hand, Carter has used The Erl-King story as an allegory, to show how women are treated in the hands of men - a delicate topic that flows throughout all of society. To make this point however I do not think she meant for the story to be read as a 'journey into unconsciousness' but for the audience to realise how serious and out of control the situation is. Even though in some ways the story can be read in the way suggested (due to the liminal state and blur between the lines of reality created because of the narrative voice), it is more likely a story, based on the fairytale, intended in an allegorical way to portray the dangers of men and Carters feminist views. 

The Erl-King

• Adapted from European tale
• Evil Creature who ensnares people
• Temptation; being drawn to her own death

"What you want will ultimately destroy you" 

Intertextual References: oooh how POMO

• Links to Goblin Market by Rossetti
• Emily Dickinson: "Light is sufficient to itself" + "Perfect Transparency must be impenetrable" 
• Red Riding Hood
• The Green Man, Personified Nature (Pagan)
• Othello: "Green eyed monster" envy, jealousy, etc. 

How is the Erl-King presented? 

• Before we even meet him 'The Erl-King will do you grievous harm' foreboding, ominous, first thing we hear about his character is negative, sets us up for the rest of the description, renowned for being monstrous 
• "Quite Green" links to Othello, and 'The Green Man' 
• "White pointed teeth" dangerous, wild animal, hints at carnal activity, sexual being
• "Lays me down on his bed... at the mercy of his hands" uses women for sexual purposes, controlling as he dictates her movements, makes females look vulnerable and victimised, contrast to the polar opposite (kinky, dominatrix, being like the Countess in TSC is hinted at resembling)
• "Birds in cages" keeps women in cages which is cruel, yet feeds and waters them, so obviously cares for them in some form, thinks of them as pets? his to control, shows the duality of his personality that the woman has come to accept about him, acknowledging her love for him, as well as the danger she is in.

How is the narrator presented? 

• Prose verse, flows like poetry at the beginning, over the top; RETROSPECTIVE?
• Addresses reader directly, we are the ones in the story, it's happening to us; shows us it's not just a story, but allegorical too, as Carter makes a point of saying it can happen, and is happening to all of us
• Switches to first person, we see how she sees, her illusion makes her optimistic, yet naive and the cause of her own destruction 
• Changes in narrative voice link to the confusion about where she is and what she feels about the forest, also links to how different the sides of her feelings are, one one side it's beautiful, but no it's full of dark, rotten nature and monsters. She loves and admires the Erl-King, but she understand he will kill her, she can't get away from him, destined for a life kept in a cage, yet she kills him at the end. Her thoughts are unorganised.
• Seen as weak and submissive as she adheres to the Erl-Kings commands etc. Seemingly fallen for his mystical charm, however kills him Porphyria's Lover style

Symbols in the Erl-King

• "Vertical bars" represents being trapped, forest is like a prison, foreshadows and links to the cages the Erl-King keeps the women in 
• "Green" symbolic of jealousy and envy
• "The Forest" symbolises mens mystery, the united view we have of them. 
• "Music" is symbolic of who is in charge; The Erl-King plays the pipe to show his dominance over the females in cages and the animals around him, but then at the end, the narrator - having killed the Erl-King - plays music on the freshly stringed violin, showing her dominant power in the situation now. The violin also cries out 'mother' reiterating the power over him that she has, and how she is now the creator of her own destiny.

Intertextual References 

• Red riding hood; we and the narrator suffer the same 'illusion' that Red Riding Hood gets trapped in, as we both get lost in the forest, thinking it's more magical than it is. The white pointed teeth of the Erl-King closely resemble those of the Wolf in Red Riding Hood.
• Dracula, has also been referred to, as the Erl-King bites the narrator on the neck, to show his control and dominant role over the female. It's quite a predatory thing to do, as the bite mark shows claim over the victim, something which the Erl-King had
• Goblin Market references have also been made, adding to the sexual connotations of the story. It adds the sexual element to the allegory also, proving how men dominate over women in both physical and sexual ways. The references to 'fruit' and 'blackberries' in the story take on a negative persona that also features in Rossetti's poem; the story of oppressed and victimized women 

In what ways is this a Gothic Narrative? 

• Because in the change of narration and the quote 'she will be trapped in her own illusion because everything in the wood is exactly as it seems' the line between reality and dream is blurred, creating the eerie and unknown fear that is commonly found in the Gothic. 
• The first thing we hear about the Erl-King is 'The Erl-King will do you grievous harm' creating our first impressions and hinting to some unknown danger. The fear of the unknown, links to the first bullet point, however the danger and threat of the Erl-King creates something physical to be afraid of. 
• 'Vertical bars of brass-coloured distillation' creates the image of a prison, showing the narrator cannot escape what will happen. This creates the Gothic theme of entrapment and also links to the girls being kept in cages.
• Gothic imagery has been used at the beginning of the story to create negative connotations of the forest, something that first looks and sounds beautiful. 'Tangled mist in the thickets' and ' haunting sense of the imminent cessation' both create a dark and bleak atmosphere most associated with the Gothic genre. The inescapable 'end' also adds to the feeling of entrapment and the psychological terror found in the Gothic. 
• The duality of the Erl-King's personality is another Gothic Feature. The fact he traps women in cages to show who's in charge and is capable of killing and ripping hearts out of living creatures shows his violent and commanding side, yet he still takes care of the women when in the cages; like a human would take care of their pet. This shows the duality of his character and actions, a duality that the narrator has come to accept, acknowledging the fact he both loves her and wishes to kill and entrap her. 
• The character of the Erl-King himself isn't human, adding the supernatural element to the story, as he derives from nature, and isn't described as an average man.