Imagery
of Oedipus
Some critics, such as Camille Paglia, offer a viewpoint of this film acting as another Hitchcock film delving into the Oedipus Complex. The most obvious Oedipal imagery in this film is eyes. Specifically, Lydia's discovery of the eyeless Dan Fawcett and her reaction of absolute shock. Personally, I take Annie Hayworth's viewpoint that the Oedipus Complex has nothing to do with Lydia's relationship with Mitch. Hitchcock puts this imagery in the film as a simple distraction from the true reason behind Lydia's relationship with Midge: fear of isolation.
