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  • Essay / Jeffery Jerome Cohen: Analysis of the theory of monsters

    Table of contentsThesis 1: The monster is a cultureThesis 2: The monster always escapesThesis 3: The monster is the harbinger of a category crisisThesis 4 : The monster lives at the gates of differenceThesis 5: The monster controls the borders of possibilityThesis 6: The fear of the monster is really a kind of desireThesis 7: The monster stands on the threshold of becomingThe “Culture of monsters (seven theses)” by Jeffery Jerome Cohen is a renowned work in the field of monster theory. . In this essay, Cohen explores the concept of the monster as a cultural and social phenomenon, challenging traditional perceptions and highlighting the symbolic meaning of monsters in various contexts. This analysis aims to delve deeper into the key theses put forward by Cohen and examine their relevance in today's society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayThesis 1: The Monster is a Culture Cohen argues that the monster is a manifestation of a culture's fears, anxieties, and desires. The monster's physical attributes often reflect taboos and societal concerns. For example, the monstrous figure of Frankenstein's creature embodies fears surrounding scientific experimentation and the limits of human knowledge. In today's context, we can see parallels in the representation of technology and artificial intelligence in popular culture as potential "monsters" that fuel the anxieties of our digital age.Thesis 2: The Monster Always EscapesAccording to Cohen, the monster is never completely defeated. ; it always comes back in one form or another. This thesis speaks to the enduring nature of the monstrous in cultural narratives. We witness this phenomenon in the recurring themes and motifs of monsters in literature, film, and folklore. The monster's ability to persist despite attempts to eradicate it speaks to the unresolved societal problems it represents. For example, the persistence of vampire narratives in popular culture reflects our ongoing fascination with themes of immortality and fear of death. Thesis 3: The monster is the harbinger of the category crisis Cohen argues that the monster disrupts and challenges established categories and boundaries. It exists in the liminal space between the known and the unknown, blurring the lines between human and non-human, good and evil, between normal and abnormal. This thesis leads us to reevaluate our preconceived ideas and question the rigidity of societal norms. The rise of LGBTQ+ representation in media and subsequent conversations around gender identity and sexual orientation illustrate the category crisis that the monster embodies. Thesis 4: The monster lives at the gates of difference By positioning the monster at the threshold of difference, Cohen underlines its role. by delimiting the limits of the “other”. The monster often represents marginalized or ostracized groups in society and reflects fear and prejudice towards those who are perceived as different. This thesis forces us to confront our attitudes toward diversity and inclusion, challenging us to consider the implications of the “otherness” of individuals or communities based on perceived differences. Thesis 5: The monster controls the boundaries of possibility Cohen suggests that the existence of the monster challenges the constraints of what is deemed possible or acceptable within a given cultural framework. The transgressive nature of the monster pushes the boundaries of societal norms, challenging us to reconsider our limits and preconceptions. In the.