Where are the boundaries between eroticism and pornography? Do they still have any meaning today? As authors, we are not interested in the mendacious clichés of the porn industry. But we would like to use the techniques of pornography to tell psychologically true stories. A search for clues
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
We all know that feeling: a book that captivates us so completely we can’t put it down. What’s the secret behind this irresistible pull? Often, it’s a well-crafted conflict. Especially in erotic literature, conflict plays a decisive role – and simultaneously marks a fundamental difference from pornography. The Heartbeat of Every Story: Conflict Every compelling … Continue reading Pornography vs. Erotica: The Magic of Conflict 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
In the world of literature dealing with sexuality and physicality, we often encounter the terms “erotic,” “pornographic,” and “obscene.” But what exactly differentiates these categories from one another? And what do these distinctions mean for authors tackling these topics? Semantic differences Erotic literature Erotic literature has its roots in the term “Eros”, which symbolizes the … Continue reading Erotic, Pornographic, and Obscene Literature: A Distinction
The Miller test is an important legal standard used in the United States to determine whether a work is obscene and therefore not protected by the First Amendment (freedom of speech). The test comes from the landmark 1973 case Miller v. California, which established the criteria for obscenity and created a more precise framework for … Continue reading The Miller Test: Standard Test for Obscenity
In the 1960s, access to pornographic content increased significantly through magazines, films and books, which led to a broad public debate about the effects on morals and society. The then President Richard Nixon was under increasing social pressure to curb the spread of obscene materials and pornography, and therefore set up the Presidential Commission on … Continue reading The debate on obscenity and pornography in 1968
