Firstly, sexuality and death are discussed as instinctual drives, specifically through Freud's essay, Beyond The Pleasure Principle. Sexuality and death are then related through pleasurable attachment and painful severance. Next they are discussed in terms of Georges Bataille's notions of continuity and discontinuity. Secondly, The Garden of Eden is looked at as a mythological indicator of the psychological links between sexuality and death. Sexual differentiation has a role to play as woman is seen to be a signifier of death through the writings of Julia Kristeva and Victor Burgin. Thirdly, Plato's argument for immortality is discussed, specifically through The Phaedo. The argument centres on the separation of self from sexual pleasure in order to defeat death. Fourthly, the chastity of Mary and Christ is dealt with. It can be seen to be resultant of the tight connection between sexuality and death and relevant to a hope for immortality. For Christian theology there exists a necessary division for those who are immortal from their own earthly carnality. Fifthly, Julia Kristeva's notion of Abjection is looked at through her essay, Powers of Horror. Abjection plays a significant role in the attempt at repression of the sexual drive and the death drive. Lastly, the reflection of Narcissus is observed. There seems a human need for a reflection self that goes beyond notions of delusionistic beauty or reviling horror. Sexuality and death are accepted as most essential aspects of our being. Abjection leads to a rejection then an acceptance of our own perishing carnality. / Master of Arts (Hons)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/189451 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Murray, Kerin Clare, University of Western Sydney, School of Contemporary Arts |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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