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Cross-Cultural Standards of Femininity in the Post-Modern Horror Film: A Case Study of Carrie and Shutter

Linneman, Laura Marie
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1304010311

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, English.
This thesis examines the ways the post-modern horror films, Carrie and Shutter, culturally construct ideal femininity. Cross-culturally, the female body has been associated with being inherently monstrous. In order to repress the monstrosity, females are expected to adhere to social standards of femininity; however, horror films, like Carrie and Shutter illuminate the struggle that many women feel to adhere to these standards. The monsters in Carrie and Shutter, Carrie White and Natre, have failed in their attempts to repress their monstrosity that stems directly from the sexual potency of the female body. Despite failing to fulfill cultural expectations, Carrie and Natre release their monstrosity. By accepting their inner monstrosity, Carrie and Natre show the failures of a social system that requires women to observe specific guidelines. In addition to showing the flaws social understandings of gender, Carrie and Natre use their monstrousness to empower themselves against those who have wronged them. While the elements of these films are supernatural, they also shed light on inherent fears about femininity and sexual taboos. The audiences are forced to come in close proximity to the female body and reconcile their bounded experiences of horror with their own cultural understandings.
John P McCombe, PhD (Advisor)
Bryan Bardine, PhD (Committee Member)
Andrew Slade, PhD (Committee Member)
44 p.
Film Studies; Gender Studies
horror film; Carrie; Shutter; postmodern horror; femininity; Mae Naak

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Linneman, L. M. (2011). Cross-Cultural Standards of Femininity in the Post-Modern Horror Film: A Case Study of Carrie and Shutter [Master's thesis, University of Dayton]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1304010311

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Linneman, Laura. Cross-Cultural Standards of Femininity in the Post-Modern Horror Film: A Case Study of Carrie and Shutter. 2011. University of Dayton, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1304010311.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Linneman, Laura. "Cross-Cultural Standards of Femininity in the Post-Modern Horror Film: A Case Study of Carrie and Shutter." Master's thesis, University of Dayton, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1304010311

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Dayton and OhioLINK.