In literature and film, eroticism is often conveyed through the use of absence and waiting. This technique creates anticipation and desire for the audience or reader, as they await what is going to happen next. By delaying gratification, writers can heighten the sense of excitement and desire that their characters experience. Examples of this are found throughout classic works such as D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover and Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. In both novels, the protagonists are kept waiting for something - in the former, it is the return of an absent lover, while in the latter, it is the outcome of a murder trial. The tension created by this wait builds up until finally, the moment arrives when everything changes.
Another example of eroticism through absence and waiting can be seen in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. In this movie, Janet Leigh's character Marion Crane is constantly being watched by Norman Bates, who is obsessed with her. However, she never sees him until he kills her in the shower, creating a sense of dread and suspense that keeps viewers gripped to the screen. This technique was so effective that it has been imitated in countless horror movies since.
The idea of anticipating pleasure also appears in modern media, such as in the television series Game of Thrones. Characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow build up sexual tension with each other over several seasons, making fans hungry for them to consummate their relationship. When they eventually do come together, the payoff is even more satisfying because it follows a long period of waiting.
In conclusion, eroticism through absence and waiting is an effective technique used in literature and film to create desire and anticipation. By delaying gratification, writers can heighten the emotional impact of their stories, keeping readers or viewers on the edge of their seats until the big reveal. From classic novels to contemporary TV shows, this technique continues to be popular among audiences today.