Understanding the Overpowering Mother in Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Birds"

Sigmund Freud’s theory of the Oedipus Complex

Term Paper , 2019 , 12 Pages , Grade: 1,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

This paper focuses on a psychological explanation of the characters’ behavior in “The Birds” by Alfred Hitchcock based on Freud’s understanding of the Oedipus complex. The paper reflects the general idea of Freud’s understanding of the Oedipus complex, discussing the reasons for children’s attachment to their opposite sex parent by examining the unconscious events taking place in childhood. After that, Freud’s theory is used for the explanation of the three main characters’ behavior. For this, the actions of and the interactions among Mitch, Lydia and Melanie are considered more precisely. The findings of the analysis are summarized in the final conclusion of the term paper, which additionally offers further analysis possibilities.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Sigmund Freud's Understanding of the Oedipus Complex
• The Birds
  • The Object of Desire: Mitch Brenner
  • The Castrating Mother: Lydia Brenner
  • The Loose Woman: Melanie Daniels
• Conclusion
• Sources

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This term paper aims to analyze the complex triangular relationship between Mitch Brenner, his mother Lydia, and Melanie Daniels in Alfred Hitchcock's *The Birds* (1963) through the lens of Sigmund Freud's theory of the Oedipus complex. The paper explores how the characters' behavior and interactions reflect the dynamics of the Oedipus complex, particularly the themes of attachment, rivalry, and castration anxiety.

• The Oedipus Complex and its application to adult behavior
• The dynamics of the triangular relationship between Mitch, Lydia, and Melanie
• The role of the mother as a source of both desire and anxiety for Mitch
• The rivalry between Lydia and Melanie for Mitch's affection
• The potential symbolic significance of the birds' attacks

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The paper introduces the film *The Birds* and its significance in Hitchcock's filmography, highlighting the film's focus on a complex family dynamic and the potential for psychological interpretation.
• Sigmund Freud's Understanding of the Oedipus Complex: This chapter provides an overview of Freud's theory of the Oedipus complex, outlining the key concepts of the phallic phase, castration anxiety, and the resolution of the complex for both boys and girls.
• The Birds: This chapter explores the relationships between the three main characters – Mitch, Lydia, and Melanie – through the lens of the Oedipus complex.
• The Object of Desire: Mitch Brenner: This section analyzes Mitch's relationship with his mother, highlighting their close bond and the potential Oedipal implications of their interaction.
• The Castrating Mother: Lydia Brenner: This section examines Lydia's possessive nature and her potential role as a "castrating mother" in the context of the Oedipus complex.
• The Loose Woman: Melanie Daniels: This section examines Melanie's role as a potential rival for Mitch's affection and the implications of her presence in the family dynamic.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key terms and concepts explored in this term paper include the Oedipus complex, castration anxiety, possessive mother, object of desire, triangular relationship, and the symbolic significance of the birds' attacks in Hitchcock's *The Birds*.

• College: University of Hildesheim
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Chiara Alina Sachwitz (Author)
• Publication Year: 2019
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V1132638
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346502049
• ISBN (Book): 9783346502056
• Language: English
• Tags: Alfred Hitchcock, Hitchcock, Birds, The Birds, Freud, Ödipus Komplex, Mother, Love