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Psychoanalysis of alien

Freud would argue that Ripley shows characteristics of regression to the phallic stage when genitalia are the key issue. Ripley is suffering from penis envy and tries to make up for not having a penis by carrying big guns and trying to match up with the boys. According to Freud she may have had some sort of trauma during that specific stage of development and this may be the reason for regression. .
             However psychologist Erikson, who claims that personality development is more social rather than biological, would argue that Ripley's masculine tendencies are due to a stage called intimacy vs isolation. In this stage it is vital to form a relationship, as the only other alternative is isolation. In Ripley's case it may have been her father whom she formed the bond with and therefore learnt from him in the development of her own personality. This also fits with Ryan and Lynch group socialisation theory. In my opinion Ripley is not as masculine as people like to make out. At the start of the film Ripley has no desire to take over or be in charge, she is quite happy being told what to do until things get out of control. She is rational and sensible and has more sense of logic than the men. This is nothing to do with gender just individual qualities. Where as the other female member on board is very weak this can only extenuate Ripley's strength. .
             The most unarguable characteristics that show Ripley to be psychologically a "typical woman" are her mothering instincts. This is not so obvious in the way she treats the crew, but is definitely seen in her affection towards the ships cat. Most men would not threaten their own lives to find it where as Ripley is often seen to be asking for it and leaving the safety of their quarters to find it. Also in the final scene we see he placing the cat in his individual pod for the journey home. This looks very much like a mother putting a child to bed.


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