2010 Student Research Conference:
23rd Annual Student Research Conference

Edward Cullen: Out of the Closet and into Our Carnal Desires
Shannon C. Harbaugh♦
Dr. Alanna Preussner, Faculty Mentor

Vampires historically appear in literature in response to a sexually suppressed society. Edward Cullen of Twilight is todays resident empty vessel and vampire. Cullen is no exception; he represents a deep carnal desire held by heterosexual women. In conforming to societal expectations of media representations of an effeminate male, therein lies the subtext that Edward is not heterosexual. Through this lens, I explore the heterosexual females desire to have sex with a homosexual male. Therefore, it is the heterosexual female lusting for a voyeuristic experience with a homosexual mansexual threat to the female being absent. Through a melding of vampirism and queer theory, I intend to delve into the notion that Bella is in love with a gay man because of the lack of sexual threat, the dream that she can possess the affections of a homosexual male, and the defiance of societys binary categorization of gender identity.

Keywords: Twilight, Vampirism, Queer Theory, Media

Topic(s):English

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 30-1
Location: VH 1432
Time: 9:30

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♦ Indicates Truman Graduate Student
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