English Literature (Hons.) (English Literature ENGL6844)

Freud claims that “The most important instinctual drives are sexual”. Also, “society believes that no greater threat to civilization could arise than if the sexual instincts were to be liberated” (47-8). Describing 'repression' as a process an instinctual impulse undergoes to be made inoperative, he warns that such impulses proliferate 'in the dark' and require constant management lest they multiply and expand. This short summation of his theory on repression discusses what this means.

This presentation explores the mid to late 20th century understandings of same-sex relations in conjunction with the rise of different forms of political activism in the USA, UK and Australia.

This presentation discusses the true nature of the horrific elements in the films 'Carrie' and 'Psycho'. In Carrie, the horror that Carrie embodies is locked up in her telekinetic power as well as her unpredictability, her shyness and her social awkwardness. These are all traditionally feminine qualities, characteristics of the Abject, the exile of the conscience. In Psycho, Norman’s terrifying aspect is his ‘deterioration’ into a more womanly guise, his womanly jealousy, seated in his...

According to Grau, 'American History X' promotes antisemitism and racism through stylish cinematography, sound editing techniques as well as the manipulation of the viewer, turning the film into little more than propaganda. In this presentation, I propose that Kaye’s film is neither outright propaganda, neither does it subvert racist claims unquestioningly, due to its unexpected final twist.

A presentation that looks at Sartrean existentialism and the Ontology of Being and Nothingness in "Leaving Las Vegas", a film by Mike Figgis.

Frost's modulation of an austere and tragic view of life through the metaphysical use of detail – the convergence of the seen and unseen realms in his poetry. Frost's poetry does not, in my understanding, harbor some hidden hues of sadness and dark. Though he refers to winter, to cold, to dark, these elements are the 'chaotic stuff' out of which he carves his poetry. If anything, as in Birches, he adopts an attitude of observation and exploration, frequently emphasizing the journey, the pr...

A broad summary of the poetic outlook of the contemporary poet, Thomas Hardy, whose work was influenced by his views on religion and coloured by his participation in the 1st World War. Includes extracts of a few of his acclaimed poems and commentary on how these express his general perspective on life and matters that interested him.