Representations in Psycho

Question 1

Does the representation of Norman Bates challenge or reflect views at the time on LGBT people?

Answer 1

Reflect - Bates’ is portrayed as dressing up as a woman because he is a mentally ill murderer: reflecting negative harmful stereotypical views about LGBT people held at the time

Question 2

How does the representation of Norman Bates challenge or reflect views at the time on the mentally ill?

Answer 2

Reflect - Bates’ is portrayed as dressing up as a woman because he is a mentally ill murderer: reflecting negative harmful stereotypical views about LGBT people held at the time

Question 3

What views does the representation of Norman’s split personality convey?

Answer 3

• Norman’s switch to Mother whenever he killed symbolises Norman’s repressed sexual desires for women turning into violent impulses

Question 4

A quote about Norman and his mother’s relationship

Answer 4

“A boy’s best friend is his mother”
(- Norman Bates)

Question 5

How does the representation of Norman Bates challenge or reflect views at the time on stereotypical gender roles?

Answer 5

• Reflect: Norman is represented as having a confused sense of gender identity (switching between him and Mother). The representation of this being linked to mental illness and violence reflects harmful stereotypes about lgbt people at the time

Question 6

How does the representation of Marion Crane challenge or reflect views at the time on stereotypical gender roles?

Answer 6

• Reflects views around gender roles: by representing a woman being murdered, reflecting the view that taking autonomy and breaking gender roles leads women to harm

Question 7

How does the representation of Marion Crane challenge or reflect views at the time on women’s sexuality?

Answer 7

• Reflects: representation of Marion as sexually active, taking sexual autonomy through relationship with Sam- “immorality” positioned as leading to murder, cause and consequence of death

Question 8

How is Marion’s character framed to convey meaning?

Answer 8

• Morally complex: reflects view that women’s immorality leads to harm/death, “slippery slope” idea
• represents people who break constraints of societal expectations

Question 9

How does the representation of Marion Crane challenge or reflect contemporary views on women’s autonomy?

Answer 9

• Marion takes sexual and personal autonomy: reflecting contemporary views around morality, sexuality

Question 10

What character in Psycho represents the theme of duality and the conflict between appearance and reality?

Answer 10

Norman Bates

Question 11

True or False: Marion Crane’s decision to steal money is portrayed as a moral failing without any justification.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Marion Crane’s character is used to explore themes of ______ and moral ambiguity.

Answer 12

desire

Question 13

How does the character of Norman Bates reflect societal views on mental illness in Psycho?

Answer 13

He embodies the stigma and fear surrounding mental illness, as well as the complexities of his character that challenge simplistic views.

Question 14

Multiple choice: Which value does Marion’s character primarily challenge in the film? A) Traditional morality B) Gender roles C) Family loyalty D) All of the above

Answer 14

D) All of the above