Interrogating Erika's Identity

In this thesis, the issue of identity in The Piano Teacher will be fully examined with a focus on its heroine, Erika. During the decipherment of Erika's identity, the author puts in question the Oedipus complex, the proportion of masculinity/ femininity in gender construction and the function of language in the release of Erika's desires. Aiming at interrogating Erika's identity in the context of postmodernism and feminism, the author employs psychoanalytical theories in the research in an attempt to offer strong evidence for the argument that Erika's identity challenges the traditional doctrines and principles imposed on women for a long time. Meanwhile, the author proposes a new system of denaturalization, fragmentation and instability with regards to reconsideration of identity.