The story of Bluebeard by Perrault (1697) has been reiterated or adapted as a particular motif or theme in cultural references since its inception. The tale of Bluebeard, or the motif of Bluebeard,...Show moreThe story of Bluebeard by Perrault (1697) has been reiterated or adapted as a particular motif or theme in cultural references since its inception. The tale of Bluebeard, or the motif of Bluebeard, that all-important turning point in the story, has been used to criticize not only the notion of female subjectivity but also other cultural aspects. Bluebeard, symbolises that which is wrong in society. This is what makes Perrault’s tale a popular tale that has been retold and adapted into cinema and literature. Examples are the Grimm Brothers’ The Robber Bridegroom(1942) and Fitcher’s Bird(1992).The Bluebeard motif is also an important myth in feminist theory. Braidotti and Smelik use the myth of Bluebeard in an essay concerning the problem of female subjectivity, which responds in part to Laura Mulvey and Theresa de Lauretis’ works regarding female subjectivity.Show less
In this thesis, I analyse six Taiwanese short stories written by contemporary women writers. I use feminist theory, namely Lu Hsiu Lien's 'New Feminism', to examine the position of economically...Show moreIn this thesis, I analyse six Taiwanese short stories written by contemporary women writers. I use feminist theory, namely Lu Hsiu Lien's 'New Feminism', to examine the position of economically independent women in Taiwan and their gender display.Show less
In this thesis I examine concerns about incompetent and effeminate Chinese masculinities within the context of modern Chinese history, with a focus on the works 'Half of Man is Woman' by Zhang...Show moreIn this thesis I examine concerns about incompetent and effeminate Chinese masculinities within the context of modern Chinese history, with a focus on the works 'Half of Man is Woman' by Zhang Xianliang, 'Beijing Comrades' by Bei Tong, and 'Shanghai Baby' by Wei Hui.Show less
This thesis targets count Dracula, in some of the many western cinematographic adaptations that have been based on Bram Stoker’s novel. The main objective is to show how this character can vary...Show moreThis thesis targets count Dracula, in some of the many western cinematographic adaptations that have been based on Bram Stoker’s novel. The main objective is to show how this character can vary across those films. Thereof, two theoretical axes will construct an epistemological device, to evince Dracula’s variations; these correspond to Jungian theory and Mieke Bal’s narratology.Show less
The notion of the spectacle, developed in the era of traditional media, represented a sharp and accurate prediction of the society to come. Guy Debord envisioned the alienation and separation of...Show moreThe notion of the spectacle, developed in the era of traditional media, represented a sharp and accurate prediction of the society to come. Guy Debord envisioned the alienation and separation of individuals from each other and from themselves by means of images, as well as the commodification of life. At the time Debord developed his critique of the spectacle, television was increasingly expanding its monopole and flattening the general discourse to one reality. This same reality was soon to be fragmented, together with individuality, by the arrival of the internet and social media. The Italian TV program BLOB, broadcasted on Italian public television since 1989, and its presence on social media, could help us to understand more about these dynamics.Show less
