In many cultures, society imposes strict rules on people's personal lives, including their love life. Sexual desires are considered immoral if they go against these social norms. Erotic literature has always dealt with this issue, exploring how it affects individuals' intimate encounters. Some authors have focused on the power struggles between men and women, others have examined the consequences of homosexual relations for members of society. Regardless of the theme, erotic texts often portray sexual desire in relation to cultural constraints that limit its expression. The following passages provide examples from some of the most well-known works in this genre.
Jane Austen
The novel 'Sense and Sensibility' is set in early nineteenth century England, where marriage was seen as the ultimate goal for young ladies. Marianne Dashwood and her sister Elinor must navigate the difficult world of suitors and social expectations while trying to find true love. One of the main characters, Edward Ferrars, is a reserved man who keeps his feelings hidden until he finally reveals them to Lucy Steele. This scene shows how societal pressures can lead to repressed emotions and unsatisfying relationships.
He sat down close by her on the sofa; and after speaking for a few minutes with hesitation, said, "Miss Dashwood, may I hope for another dance?" She answered in the affirmative immediately, and a glance expressed all the consent and compliance which she would not trust herself to utter. A long silence followed. Edward seemed uncertain what to say or do next, and was confused by the perplexity of his own thoughts. At last he suddenly rose up and walked about the room, saying something about the weather and the length of his visit. But it was impossible for Marianne to move. She sat still and looked at him, in increasing amazement at his behaviour; and when he resumed his seat again by her, was almost ready to cry with vexation and shame at such an exhibition of sensibility and nervousness. He attempted to account for it himself.
"Forgive me," said he, "if I have been wrong. It has been a sudden idea."
She coloured deeply at this, but could not speak. After a moment's pause, however, she added, "It has been very sudden indeed, sir."
In this excerpt from 'Sense and Sensibility', Jane Austen portrays the difficulty people face when their desires are limited by society. Edward is ashamed of expressing his feelings because he knows that they go against cultural norms, even though he wants to be honest with Lucy. This scene highlights how repressed sexual desire can lead to unhealthy relationships.
Theodore Dreiser
The novel 'An American Tragedy' explores the consequences of breaking social rules regarding sex. The main character, Clyde Griffiths, becomes obsessed with Hortense Briggs, a factory worker who comes from a poor background. He convinces her to elope with him, but soon regrets his decision. When she gets pregnant, he decides to kill her and throw her body into the lake. This passage shows how culture affects Clyde's emotions and actions.
As we neared the wharf where the boat lay, we took one more long look around us, and then turned away with a strange feeling, as if something were over for all time. And yet it was only for a little while; before we had reached the top of the hill we saw that the water was still before us. There was no sound on its surface, no visible movement anywhere; everything was still—and yet there was an impulse in me to run back and see what had become of her. But I resisted it and did not turn my head again. My love for her! How could I ever have felt such a thing? It was absurd—it was monstrous! She was dead—dead forever. All this talk about a soul going somewhere after death—what did it mean? The body rotted; nothing else happened. And why should anything happen to the soul? It was part of the brain. So much nonsense written about souls! I wondered at myself now for having believed any of it. No soul, I thought—just a few chemical substances and a little electricity in the skull, and that was all—nothing more.
Theodore Dreiser's 'An American Tragedy' illustrates how cultural norms shape individuals' sexual desires. In this scene, Clyde is haunted by his decision to end Hortense's life, but he tries to justify it by rationalizing her existence. He also questions society's beliefs about the afterlife, which shows how culture affects people's understanding of morality.
Emily Brontë
In 'Wuthering Heights', Emily Brontë depicts a passionate love story between
How do erotic texts depict sexual desire in relation to societal and cultural constraints?
Erotic literature has often explored the interplay between sexual desire and societal and cultural norms, presenting complex and nuanced perspectives on how these factors shape individuals' sexual experiences. While some texts may emphasize the freedom of expression and individual choice as primary factors shaping sexual behavior, others may explore the ways in which social and cultural pressures can constrain or limit sexual desires and fantasies.