The Abject

The abject is a non-linguistic, repressed desire and fear in one's psyche.

Language

Language, according to Kristeva, is the only way one can understand the world and, therefore, one's language biases and prejudices one to see the world in a certain way.

Oedipus Complex

The Oedipus complex is the development conflict in which one desires one's mother sexually but is restrained from having her by one's father.

Narcissism

Narcissism is the result of the dissolution of the Oedipal triangle and results in no longer seeking an "other" object. One is, rather, content with oneself.

Phobia

Phobia is an irrational fear which is a metaphorical representation of the abject.

Incest Taboo

The incest taboo is a nearly universal prohibition in all cultures and it is one of the most obvious and direct results of the abject.

Judaism

Judaism, Kristeva argues, is a religion based on escaping from...