The Feminine Mystique

How is sex used in horror films?
Sex is often used to distinguish which characters are going to die first. For example, sexually promiscuous characters are often killed off first, almost as if being punished for their ways.

Is it true that virginal female characters are more likely to survive in a slasher flick?
This generally seems to be true, as virginal characters are considered "innocent" and therefore seem to have no reason to die.

Some writers have identified many horror film tropes as relating to men's fear of women. Can you think of any horror film standards that make the feminine monstrous?
In the film "Jennifer's Body", the main female character is possessed by a demon, characterising her as an evil, murderous person.


Focus on the paragraph starting at the bottom of p.193 "The horror subtext is the lawyer's developing dread..." 
What is effective about the language in this extract?
The language in this extract is effective because Kael uses such powerful words. She's carefully chosen every adjective to emphasise her opinions on the issue.

How does Kael use lexis and semantics to create an impression of aspects of the film?
Kael uses a lexical set of horror terms to talk about the film. Words like "witch", "monster" and "terrorizes" all connote horror and fear or something threatening, This gives the impression that Kael believes women are made out to be terrifying and horrible in such films.


How does Kael use rhetorical features to support her argument?


How is syntax effective in this extract?
Kael structures her sentences effectively, bringing the focus towards the powerful words she uses to emphasise her point.