Anatomy and hormones

Issues surrounding anatomy and hormones are central to the Wasp Factory but this is not fully apparent until the very end of the novel. Frank, the narrator believes himself to have been castrated at the age of three when mauled by his father's dog. This supposed attack has understandably a major influence on Frank's life. He has been taught by his father that 'he', Frank, is only half a man. Frank has concluded that anatomy has destined the sexes to have different roles in life.

Violence

Murder

Weapons

The Labyrinth

Castration

Hormones

Madness

Mothering

Stereotypes

Male Stereotypes

Male gender stereotypes are voiced by or enacted by 'Frank'. The character Frank identifies violence with masculinity and since 'his' masculinity is partial, due to the supposed castration, he is determined to be everything which he thinks women are not, reckless, uncouth, arrogant, violent, murderous and at odds with women in every way. As shown above these behaviors are commonly linked to anatomy, hormones and social conditioning.