Catch Me if You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake | Themes

Catch Me if You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake Themes

Misogyny

Frank Abagnale cites his parents' divorce as one of the primary events that shaped his larcenous character. However, Frank has very little insight into the anger he feels towards his mother, and he does not realize that he directs that anger against women in general. Frank believes he loves women; he sees himself as an accomplished lover and wooer of women. Like many misogynists, he fails to recognize his own misogyny. Frank cons himself into believing that he is helpless against the charms of women. He fails to see that this a projection of the truth, for he is the one who manipulates women with his honeyed words and false identities. Frank thinks his cons are limited to faceless financial institutions. In fact, he prides himself on never conning an individual. He does not realize that the principal targets of all his cons are the women in his life. Nor...
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