A look at the fathers and mothers of erotic literature: analyses, interpretations and food for thought
In order to analyze Anne-Marie’s role in Pauline Réage’s novel “The Story of O” within the framework of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey, we must first examine Campbell’s concept and the specific dynamics of the novel. Campbell’s hero’s journey, as described in “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” is a narrative archetype that describes a hero’s … Continue reading The dramatic function of Anne-Marie in “The Story of O”
Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey features the central figure of the mentor – that wise presence who guides the protagonist through their transformative journey. In erotic literature, however, this archetype shows a striking imbalance: while male mentors appear frequently, female mentors are a rare phenomenon. This asymmetry raises fundamental questions about gender roles, power structures, and … Continue reading The Role of the Female Mentor in Erotic Literature
American mythologist Joseph Campbell made a decisive contribution to the study of archetypes and their relevance in literature. Campbell developed the concept of the “monomyth” or “hero’s journey,” which recurs in many cultures and narratives. He identifies various archetypes that are crucial to the hero or heroine on their journey. One of these archetypes is … Continue reading The role of the mentor in erotic literature
Surrealism, an artistic and literary movement that emerged in 1920s Paris, has a deep connection to the works of the Marquis de Sade. This connection is based on a shared admiration for the unconscious, freedom of the mind, and the challenge of bourgeois morality. Shared ideals and themes Influence on surrealist artists and authors De … Continue reading Surrealism and de Sade: A symbiotic relationship
Marquis de Sade, whose name has given rise to the word “sadism”, has had a profound and complex influence on literature and culture as a whole. His works, especially “The 120 Days of Sodom”, “Justine” or “The Philosophy in the Boudoir”, have not only pushed the boundaries of moral and sexual narrative, but have also … Continue reading The influence of de Sade on literature
The “120 Days of Sodom” by Marquis de Sade is a work that has caused controversy since its creation in the 18th century. This book, written by de Sade during his imprisonment in the Bastille, is a radical testimony of violence, sex and power that challenges the boundaries of human morality and ethics in a … Continue reading “The 120 Days of Sodom” – An analysis of the scandal and censorship
“Belle de jour” tells the story of Séverine Serizy, a young, attractive woman from the Parisian bourgeoisie who is emotionally and sexually unfulfilled in her marriage to the wealthy but unemotional doctor Pierre Serizy. Despite her love for Pierre, Séverine longs for experiences that fulfill her secret and unspoken fantasies. When she hears about an … Continue reading “Belle de jour” by Joseph Kessel (1928)
The book The School of Venus, or the ladies delight (French original: L’École des filles) by Jean Millot and Michel L’Ange is an outstanding work of the early 17th century. Originally published in France in 1655, it is considered one of the first explicitly erotic works of French literature. Histoire de la création et de … Continue reading Jean Millot and Michel L’Ange: “The School of Venus, or the ladies delight”
In the ancient myths of Greece and Rome, nudity was often a symbol of vulnerability, power and sensuality. Women’s shame about their nakedness is also explicitly addressed. From goddesses to mortal women, the myths are full of stories exploring the complexities of female nudity and its associated feelings. Vulnerability and exposure In Greek and Roman … Continue reading Nudity in the myths of Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, stories of love and initiation were often inextricably linked. One such story that fascinatingly combines these themes is that of Daphnis and Chloe. This tale from the 2nd century AD, written by Longus, transports us into a world of pastoral beauty and youthful innocence. But beneath the surface lies a profound tale … Continue reading Daphnis and Chloe: an initiation in the 2nd century
