The goal of this term paper is to analyse whether the sexual supremacy and the exposure of it, in the film Braveheart, functions as a weapon of war. In order to answer this question, the first chapter will focus on the fact of King Edward reinstating an old tradition called prima nocte (the right to the first night), which allows the King’s lords to share the bed with a Scottish woman on her wedding night.3 The use of the male genitals as symbol of dominance will be discussed within the second chapter. The third chapter will examine the representation of the English Prince Edward as very feminized homosexual and its effects on his capability of leading a war.
The emphasis of the final chapter, before summarizing the papers analysis, will be the fact of William Wallace seducing and impregnating Prince Edward’s wife, Princess Isabella, as the final motive of sex as a war weapon.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Prima Nocte
- Symbolism of the male genital
- Homosexuality as the opposite of sexual supremacy
- The political move of seducing Princess Isabella
- Conclusion
- Cites
- Works Cited
- Films Cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes how sexual supremacy is depicted as a weapon of war in Mel Gibson's Braveheart. It examines how the film uses sexual dominance to portray the conflict between Scotland and England. The analysis focuses on specific scenes and character portrayals to understand the film's message.
- The use of prima nocte as a tool of political and sexual oppression.
- The symbolism of the male genitalia as a representation of power and dominance.
- The portrayal of homosexuality as contrasting with ideals of masculine sexual supremacy.
- The strategic use of seduction and sexual relations as a political weapon.
- The connection between sexual violence and the broader themes of war and resistance.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by establishing the central argument: that sexual supremacy is depicted as a weapon of war in Braveheart. It introduces the film and its historical context, highlighting the use of sex as a means of dominance and control. The chapter outlines the main objectives of the paper, previewing the analysis of specific scenes and themes that will be explored in subsequent chapters.
Prima Nocte: This chapter explores the concept of *prima nocte*, the right of the first night, and its role in the film as a tool of oppression and a catalyst for war. The reinstatement of *prima nocte* by King Edward I is presented as an act of deliberate subjugation, designed to not only exert sexual dominance over the Scottish women but also to undermine Scottish identity and culture through forced impregnation. The chapter analyzes a specific scene depicting the enforcement of *prima nocte*, emphasizing the humiliation and desperation experienced by the Scottish people. The forced impregnation is connected to the broader concept of "genetic imperialism," highlighting the film's depiction of sex as a weapon of war and conquest.
Symbolism of the male genital: This chapter delves into the symbolic representation of the male genitalia throughout the film as a potent symbol of power and dominance. The scene where Scottish warriors expose their genitals to the English army before battle is examined as a defiant and provocative act, highlighting their perceived sexual superiority and challenging the English dominance. The length of the Scottish spears is also linked to this symbolism, with their superior length viewed as a phallic symbol that literally penetrates and defeats the English. The chapter discusses the lighthearted mood contrasted with the violent implications, emphasizing the use of this provocative act to communicate power and victory.
Homosexuality as the opposite of sexual supremacy: This chapter contrasts the Scottish portrayal of virile masculinity with the depiction of Prince Edward as a feminized homosexual figure. The chapter analyzes Prince Edward's effeminate characteristics – his makeup, high-pitched voice, and aversion to physical intimacy with his wife – to demonstrate how his homosexuality is presented as the antithesis of the aggressive, sexually dominant masculinity associated with the Scots and their war effort. His inability to effectively lead the war is directly connected to this portrayal of sexual inadequacy. The chapter analyzes a scene depicting the prince’s relationship with his male lover and the father’s rejection of this relationship, highlighting the social and political ramifications of Edward's sexuality.
Keywords
Braveheart, sexual supremacy, weapon of war, prima nocte, masculinity, homosexuality, gender, power, dominance, Scotland, England, Mel Gibson, historical film, sexual violence, genetic imperialism.
Braveheart: A Film Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this analysis of Mel Gibson's *Braveheart*?
This paper analyzes how sexual supremacy is depicted as a weapon of war in Mel Gibson's Braveheart. It examines how the film uses sexual dominance to portray the conflict between Scotland and England, focusing on specific scenes and character portrayals to understand the film's message.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes, including the use of *prima nocte* as a tool of political and sexual oppression; the symbolism of the male genitalia as a representation of power and dominance; the portrayal of homosexuality as contrasting with ideals of masculine sexual supremacy; the strategic use of seduction and sexual relations as a political weapon; and the connection between sexual violence and the broader themes of war and resistance.
What is the significance of *prima nocte* in the film?
The analysis highlights the reinstatement of *prima nocte* (the right of the first night) by King Edward I as an act of deliberate subjugation, designed to exert sexual dominance over Scottish women and undermine Scottish identity and culture through forced impregnation. It's presented as a key tool of oppression and a catalyst for war.
How is the symbolism of the male genitalia used in the film?
The film uses the male genitalia symbolically to represent power and dominance. A scene where Scottish warriors expose their genitals before battle is interpreted as a defiant act, showcasing their perceived sexual superiority and challenging English dominance. The length of their spears is also linked to this phallic symbolism.
How does the film portray homosexuality in relation to sexual supremacy?
The film contrasts the Scottish portrayal of virile masculinity with Prince Edward, depicted as a feminized homosexual figure. His effeminate characteristics are presented as the antithesis of the aggressive, sexually dominant masculinity associated with the Scots. His inability to effectively lead the war is directly linked to this portrayal of sexual inadequacy.
What is the overall conclusion of the analysis?
While not explicitly stated in the provided summary, the overall conclusion would likely reinforce the central argument: that Braveheart utilizes the depiction of sexual supremacy as a powerful and pervasive weapon of war, shaping the conflict and the characters' actions within the narrative.
What are the chapter summaries included in this preview?
The preview includes chapter summaries for the Introduction, Prima Nocte, Symbolism of the male genital, and Homosexuality as the opposite of sexual supremacy. Each summary briefly outlines the main points and arguments presented in the respective chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
The keywords include: Braveheart, sexual supremacy, weapon of war, prima nocte, masculinity, homosexuality, gender, power, dominance, Scotland, England, Mel Gibson, historical film, sexual violence, genetic imperialism.
- Quote paper
- Joelle Schmidt (Author), 2021, "Braveheart". Sexual Supremacy as a Weapon of War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1180225
