Critical Perspectives

Thesis Proposal OGR

Frankie Sutton
 Thesis Enquiry

The use of abject imagery in Horror and the

provocation of men's castration anxiety
 Thesis Synopsis
The thesis will explore horror and identify the popularity of certain visual aspects that lie
within it, (moreso addressing monstrous mouths and teeth) using an expansive variety of
references to show that these aspects have always been popular. The link between this and
Carl Jung's The Terrible Mother archetype will be revealed by discussing common simularites
that they share, then will further investigate the archetype by introducing the "Vagina
Dentata" and familiarizing it with common imagery used in horror. Key themes from Barbara
Creed's The Monstrous Feminine will be introduced and explored, along with abject, desire and
the uncanny, in addition to their theorists and contribution to these subjects. It
will provide the audience with information that shows what abject imagery is, and that this
is the kind of imagery famously used in horror. When digging deeper into the different
theorists' works, the thesis will look at psychoanalytic theory where relevant, and study
areas that live within the subconscious mind, to try and strengthen the audience's
understanding and consideration of the topic's legitimacy where they may hold doubts.
Establishing that these topics are repressed from our conscience and society, prepares the
discussion of claiming that horror uses these repressed thoughts and images for
entertainment, as it provides audiences to witness such imagery, while knowing it is
fictional and harmless to them. The point will also be explored, that defeating these
fictional, discomforting monsters replicates society's actions of repressing these
subconscious fears. Ridley Scott's Alien (and following films from the franchise) will be
held as example of horror, whose creature is a dominant monster that impregnates, penetrates
and castrates men, which depicts phallic shapes, the vagina dentata and slimy bodily fluids.
The Terrible Mother archetype will also be exemplified by the film design and elements of the
story. It will cover some of the psychoanalytic aspects explored previously and discuss
repression in this film being brought forward to cause discomfort to audiences. Ultimately,
it aims to conclude by bringing back earlier discussions and applying them to the film, (a
successful and popular horror film) legitimizing the theories that circle these subjects.
Chapter Synopsis
 Chapter 1

Introduce Horror and the attributes that are repeated through its depictions
throughout history among different cultures, periods and forms of art. Distinguish
what these attributes are specifically. Use a variety of examples to prove that there
is a familiar theme that all these depictions of horror/monsters share,
establishing that there is in fact an importance with these monstrous mouths that
devour, and that it has always been present, despite these cultures and time periods
sharing no correlation to one another, or having ever come to an agreed decision to
“what is scary?” After enforcing that there’s a clear and strong link here, introduce
Carl Jung and his ideas regarding the “Terrible Mother” archetype, then identify the
likeliness between the archetype and the multiple interpretations of horror/monsters,
that possess such a collective set of traits and visual features. Connect lines
between the terrible mother and common imagery associated with monsters and evil,
bringing attention to the monstrous, devouring mouth and its popular place in
horror, along with it being a key attribute of the terrible mother. Ultimately, prove
that the common appearance is no coincidence, and that it exists as more than that.
Finally, inform that some may identify/associate this with what is known as the
“Vagina Dentata.”
 Chapter 2

Define the "Vagina Dentata" and identify its links to the Terrible Mother, then
discuss what it is made up of, and that it triggers male castration anxiety. After
some discussion regarding this, focus on what the vagina dentata is, which is a
vagina and set of teeth. Introduce the term "abject" and after defining it, explain
how the separate elements of the vagina dentata are forms of abject imagery. Once
arguing that we repress certain thoughts and facts in order to develop, introduce
Freudian theory to explore these matters from another perspective, looking at the
subconscious and the uncanny. After focusing more on the psychoanalytic reasoning for
these topics, elaborate on abject through Julia Kristeva's association with it and
her book Powers of Horror. Move on to discuss horror again, after providing enough
evidence to strongly argue that these particular images, actions and feelings are
repressed from society and minds. In this discussion of horror, apply abject to it
and reveal its heavy participation towards it. Prove that these thoughts are
repressed and then brought back to horror all the time, given to us in a fictional
and harmless form. Explain that although it causes discomfort and triggers fear, it
is extremely popular and is greatly desired by audiences, similarly to the vagina
dentata, being desired by men while also causing them extreme discomfort. Argue that
we need Horror for this reason, to create a distinction between the self and the
other, placing these repressed (but present) thoughts as the other.
 Chapter 3

Introduce Alien as a horror film that intentionally uses abject imagery everywhere in
its design and script. Follow through by identifying specific design elements and
points in the story that are deeply associated with the terrible mother, vagina
dentata and castration anxiety. Discuss not only the monster's design, but the way in
which it hunts and kills, highlighting the forced penetration and impregnation
towards man. Explore H.R. Giger's art and expose the shapes/forms used, while
identifying the large amount of sexual imagery that sits within it, as well as the
design in the film. Include more Alien films from the franchise to help convey the
point and reveal famous elements related to the Monstrous Feminine. After arguing
that this film heavily depicts the vagina dentata and castration anxiety, bring
attention to Alien's high popularity it individually achieved as a horror film and
discuss its success that attracted all audiences. Suggest that the reasons for its
popularity is due to its accurate and detailed appropriation with the previously
discussed topics, and the decision to hold a heavy focus on this in multiple ways.
Conclude by summarizing the main points and revealing their place in this piece of
Horror, then say that Alien is an example of how abject can be intentionally used to
attack these subconscious fears and discomforts, that are commonly unspoken of.
 Research Proforma

Author: Barbara Creed

Critical Position: Psychoanalyst and Feminism Theorist
Title: The Monstrous Feminine
Publisher/Publication: Routledge
Place of Publication: Abingdon
Date: 1993

Author: Sigmund Freud

Critical Position: Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst
Title: The Uncanny
Publisher/Publication: The Hogarth Press
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1919
 Research Proforma

Author: Sigmund Freud

Critical Position: Psychotherapist and Psychoanalyst
Title: Totem and Taboo
Publisher/Publication: Routledge
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1913

Author: H.R. Giger

Critical Position: Painter and Set Designer
Title: Giger's Alien
Publisher/Publication: Big O Publishing
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1979
 Research Proforma

Author: Carl Jung

Critical Position: Psychiatrist and Psychoanalyst
Title: The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious
Publisher/Publication: Routledge
Place of Publication: London
Date: 2014

Author: Julia Kristeva

Critical Position: Philosopher, Semiotician, psychoanalyst and feminist
Title: Powers of Horror
Publisher/Publication: Columbia University Press
Place of Publication: New York
Date: 1980
 Research Proforma

Author: Lady Lazarus

Critical Position: Visual Artist and Educator
Title: The Great Mother VS. the Terrible Mother: the dual nature of the
Jungian archetype
Publisher/Publication: N/a
Place of Publication: N/a
Date: 2012

Author: Solimar Otero

Critical Position: Folklorist
Title: "Fearing our mothers": An overview of the psychoanalytic theories
concering the vagina dentata motif F547.1.1
Publisher/Publication: N/a
Place of Publication: Basingstoke
Date: 1996