Library Dissertation Showcase

How does The Rocky Horror Show discuss masculinity through crossing gender boundaries, sexuality, and wider societal ties?

  • Year of Publication:
  • 2019

Frank-N-Furter describes Brad as “a perfect example of manhood,” (O’Brien, 1983, 13) within The Rocky Horror Show, but what defines masculinity and manhood within the world of cross-dressing, sexual deviance, and gender non-conformity of The Rocky Horror Show? Within this dissertation I will discuss how The Rocky Horror Show portrays masculinity through crossing gender boundaries, discussing how sexuality informs gender expression, and how societal pressures on gender and sexuality can shape gender expression, and this discussion will include the effects upon the audience as well as the characters within the musical as the audience participation and experience are immensely important parts of the show.

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