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"I Envy, therefore I Am": Justification of Envy - <Single White Female> and <Female Teacher>
Cross-Cultural Studies
2017,
46(), pp.43-61
DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2017.46..43
Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
Research Area : Literature
DOI : 10.21049/ccs.2017.46..43
Publisher : Center for Cross Culture Studies
Research Area : Literature
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This essay interprets envy not as a form of conventional conflict between women but as a type of common response of self-preservation focused on envy represented in the American film, Single White Female, and the Korean film, Female Teacher. Although envy is traditionally classified as a feminine emotion, it is an innate human emotion regardless of gender identity. Especially in the competitive era of neo-liberalism, we recognize only its negative side while overlooking its positive side as envy originates from comparison with others. Hedy's mimicking of Allie in Single White Female is not the same as idealized identification because her envy is aggressive and a self-assertive response while transforming Allie's identity. Likewise, envy of a protagonist in Female Teacher triggers an action of self-preservation against irrational social and personal inequality. Accordingly, a type of resistant and critical power resides in envy between women in these films. Therefore, proper recognition of repressed envy is required in order to prevent its transition towards a violent outcome.
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