This Emotional Closet : women's relationships with clothing

Clothes are objects presented in society to be experienced and translated by others. This thesis identifies three female stereotypes found in literature: mother, virgin, and whore. By addressing the historical and social context that exist in American culture, I can begin to explain how these three stereotypes are dependent upon appearance perception. In exploring the identities that clothing can communicate, I hope to contribute an understanding of the phenomenological aspects in everyday dressing. This thesis will also discuss how my research informed my choices in the development and creation of an immersive theatrical experience, This Emotional Closet.