Ripper and Mandrake in Dr. Strangelove

I love the names in the film. General Ripper is, appropriately, revealed to be Jack D. Ripper, and his obsession with bodily fluids reflects the manner in which the historical Ripper committed his crimes. Another that comes to mind is the British Mandrake. Perhaps the least hegemonically masculine men in the film, his name is the union of “Man” and an alternate word for Dragon, a highly masculine mythical creature with typical traits reflecting masculinity taken to the extreme. Meanwhile, Mandrake is averse to conflict, speaks in a higher tone and has a more “urban” vernacular and accent. Not to mention he is rather short and well-groomed. The juxtaposition of his name and his character is really amusing, opposed the appropriately-named and much more hegemonically masculine Ripper. Really a very interesting comparison and conflict between the two, and their ends! Ripper takes the “coward’s way” and kills himself, while Mandrake has to assert his authority and force the other man to allow him to do his duty.

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