'It gives me an edge over all of yees": a feminist psychoanalytical reading of marina carr's by the bog of cats

Abstract EN

This research investigates the connections between Marina Carr's By the Bog of Cats (1998) and Greek tragedies.

It will be demonstrated that this modem adaptation draws on ancient Greek literature to project on critical contemporary issues.

Many of the Greek tragedies "deal with universal experiences in ways that communicate immediately to us" (Daniel and Scully ix).

It also examines the implications of the symbolism associated with the bog and the significance of Hester's Swane s name.

On an even deeper level, the research uses Lacan’s Mirror Stage, Freud’s theories on Oedipus Complex and the Electra Complex, the nature of hysteria and Adrienne Rich's feminist theory on the relationship between mothers and daughters in relation to Carr’s play.

Finally, this research delves into Hester’s act of revenge where she kills her 7-year-old daughter, which decodes beyond the literal.