Key themes within ‘The Bloody Chamber’ collection.

Predator versus prey
Innocence versus naivety
Roses and blood- closed roses symbolise virginity, in general symbolise romance. White rose symbolises virginity. Blood shows violence and corruption
Virginity and its power. Linked to feminist and Marxist ideas of women having power through their sexuality. And Marxism the idea of power misbalance in relationships.
Solitude
Entrapment and freedom image of keys and cages
Sex and violence
Musicality – enhanced through onomatopoeia and technical musical language
Anthropomorphism
Vanity as a flaw. Mirrors a symbol of the supernatural as well as an association with egotism
Nature (winter, mirrors emotions) flowers- lilies death, roses virginity, sea calm
Feminism, ‘are you not a lady of honour’. In the Tiger’s bride women’s role in society is questioned, idea of duty.
Crude language, ‘Cunt’. Used as a shock tactic.
Empathy with the ;villain’ Bloody chamber, erl-king, courtship of mr lyon.
Rejection from society.