Lecture Notes on Carrie and Speculative Legalism

Overview of Course and Assignments

• Introduction to the course and the concept of speculative legalism.
• Importance of sharing knowledge and seeking help (office hours, Q&A sessions).
• Details on upcoming research assignment due in two weeks.
• Sample assignments posted for reference (noting their high quality).

Notable Sample Assignments

• Anna Farmer: Wrote on The Female Coyote, a feminist text from the 18th century.
• Timothy Scott: Analyzed Kafka's The Trial alongside Dworkin's work; incorporated queer themes.
• Tim Peters: Explored the intersection of superheroes, law, and theology.
• Stephen Burton: Examined the cinematic portrayal of serial killers.

Topic of the Week: Telepaths and Revenge in Carrie

• The lecture focuses on the theme of revenge as depicted in Stephen King's Carrie.
• The concept of revenge serves as a form of catharsis, especially among adolescents whose vulnerabilities are often exploited.
• Introduces cinematic examples of revenge in horror, particularly from director Brian De Palma’s works.

Key Themes in Carrie

• Adolescent Drama and Vengeance:
  • The prom scene as a tragic climax involving humiliation and subsequent violent retribution.
  • Carrie White's telekinesis metaphorically represents psychological struggles and social alienation.
• Enjoyment vs. Pleasure:
  • Discussion on psychoanalyst Slavoj Žižek’s concept of enjoyment, especially in relation to pain and pleasure.
  • The interplay of duty and desire as it manifests in Carrie’s actions.
• Cinematic Representation of Revenge:
  • Vengeance in Carrie is often shown as explosive and satisfying, but raises questions about the morality and consequences of such acts.

Psychoanalytic Framework

• Lacanian Theory: The discussion incorporates Jacques Lacan's concepts of desire, the ego, and the paternal figure as it relates to Carrie’s psychosis and rebellious acts.
• Carrie as a character embodies the conflict between society's expectations (represented by her mother) and her own desires.
• Telekinesis as a representation of suppressed sentiments and the eruption of bottled-up feelings into violent action.

The Role of the Mother Figure

• Margaret White: Analyzing the ‘monstrous maternal’ archetype and its impact on Carrie’s psychological state.
  • The relationship between Carrie and her mother is crucial to understanding Carrie’s internal struggles and her eventual descent into violence.
• The absence of the paternal figure exacerbates Carrie's issues, forcing her into an extreme psychological state.

Violence and Gender Dynamics

• Exploration of the portrayal of women in horror; Carrie’s journey reflects broader societal issues surrounding female identity and expectations.
• Questions the notion of feminine rage and whether societal misconduct justifies violent reactions.

Carrie as a Cultural Text

• Examination of Carrie in various mediums (literature, film, TV adaptations) reveals its lasting impact and relevance in contemporary discussions about bullying and societal norms.
• Aspects of feminist critique highlight the narrative's resonance regarding women's empowerment and societal rejection.

Discussion and Q&A Information

• Conclusion of the lecture includes an invitation for further questions and clarifications regarding the assignment and insights shared during the session.
• Emphasizes maintaining a nuanced approach to discussing these themes, ensuring to avoid reductionist interpretations.

Action Items for Students

• Review samples of past assignments to understand structure and argumentation.
• Finalize topics for the upcoming essay; consider the themes discussed during the lecture.
• Engage in further discussions on specified topics during the upcoming Q&A sessions.
• Embrace the complexity of themes rather than merely summarizing content in assignments; detailed analysis is encouraged.

Final Remarks

• Encouragement to enjoy the course material and look deeper into the implications of the texts being examined.
• Happy holidays (Easter and Passover) noted, along with good wishes for the assignment preparation process.