IndexThesis 1: The monster is a cultureThesis 2: The monster always fleesThesis 3: The monster is the harbinger of the category crisisThesis 4: The monster lives at the gates of differenceThesis 5: The monster guards the boundaries of the possibleThesis 6: The fear of the monster is really a kind of desireThesis 7: The monster endures on the threshold of becoming Jeffery Jerome Cohen's "Monster Culture (Seven Theses)" is a renowned work in the field of theory of monsters. In this essay, Cohen explores the concept of the monster as a cultural and social phenomenon, challenging traditional perceptions and shedding light on the symbolic meaning of monsters in various contexts. This analysis aims to delve deeper into the key theses advanced by Cohen and examine their relevance in today's society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThesis 1: The Monster is a Culture Cohen argues that the monster serves as a manifestation of a culture's fears, anxieties, and desires. The physical attributes of the monster often reflect taboos and social concerns. For example, the monstrous figure of Frankenstein's creature embodies the fears surrounding scientific experimentation and the boundaries of human knowledge. In today's context, we can see parallels in the portrayal of technology and artificial intelligence in popular culture as potential "monsters" that evoke the anxieties of our digital age. Thesis 2: The monster always flees According 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 recurring monster themes and motifs in literature, film, and folklore. The monster's ability to persist despite attempts to eradicate it speaks to the unresolved social issues it represents. For example, the persistence of vampire narratives in popular culture reflects our ongoing fascination with themes of immortality and the fear of death. Thesis 3: The monster is the harbinger of the category crisis Cohen argues that the monster upsets 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, normal and abnormal. This thesis pushes us to reevaluate our preconceived notions and question the rigidity of social norms. The rise of LGBTQ+ representation in media and the resulting conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation exemplify the category crisis that the monster embodies. Thesis 4: The monster lives at the gates of difference By positioning the monster on the threshold of difference, Cohen highlights its role in delineating the boundaries of the "other." The monster often represents marginalized or ostracized groups in society and serves as a reflection of fear and prejudice towards those perceived as different. This thesis forces us to confront our attitudes towards diversity and inclusion, pushing us to consider the implications of “othering” individuals or communities based on perceived differences. Thesis 5: The Monster Controls the Boundaries of the Possible Cohen suggests that the monster's existence 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 social norms, forcing us to reconsider our limits and preconceptions. In contemporary society, the emergence of new social movements and advocacy for marginalized communities challenges the status quo, echoing the disruptive nature of the monster in policing the boundaries of the possible. Thesis 6: The fear of the monster is really a kind of desire This thesis delves into.