Publication details
The Sea, the Sea : Traumatic Encounter with a Monster
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| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | Trauma may be regarded as a very unsettling experience. If this disturbing memory is repressed from our mind, it can become something that influences our actions and operates on a subconscious level. This paper examines very specific kind of trauma that is deeply rooted in human existence and it is the fear of the opposite gender. Through application of Camille Paglia´s approach to western society divided by binary forces of the Apollonian and Dionysian world, this paper seeks to examine male and female characters of Iris Murdoch´s novel The Sea, the Sea. It primarily focuses on the relationship of Charles Arrowby and Rosina Vamburgh. Rosina, a beautiful and successful actress, represents here the chaotic power of Dionysian realm that is associated with nature and threatening female sexuality. She takes the form of different archetypal female monsters to attack Arrowby´s integrity. Arrrowby, on the other hand, stands for the rationality and male superiority of the Apollonian world and being a theatre director, he tries to reduce Rosina´s powers and protect his own identity. Their encounters create a battlefield full of anxious responses that trigger the characters ´defensive mechanisms. Rosina and Charles´s interactions constantly challenge the conventional power dynamics between men and women and pose a daunting question who the real monster is. |
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