Narratives of the forbidden can have a profound impact on the way people experience desire and attraction towards others. By creating a sense of taboo or transgression around certain types of intimate interactions, they can amplify the intensity and power of those desires. In this article, we will explore how narratives of the forbidden can shape the phenomenology of desire through the lens of four different literary works that each deal with different aspects of romance, passion, and longing.
Narrative 1: The Scarlet Letter
The novel "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne tells the story of Hester Prynne, who is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her dress as punishment for committing adultery. Despite the public humiliation she suffers, Hester finds herself drawn to the man she was involved with, Arthur Dimmesdale. Her attraction to him is heightened by the fact that their relationship is considered immoral by society, and she feels a deep sense of shame and guilt for pursuing it. This creates an intense emotional tension between them, as they are both aware of the consequences of their actions but unable to resist their mutual desire. The novel suggests that the forbidden nature of their love makes it all the more powerful and compelling.
Narrative 2: Wuthering Heights
In Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights," Cathy Earnshaw's love for Heathcliff is portrayed as both passionate and destructive. Their relationship is characterized by jealousy, violence, and a deep need for revenge against those who have hurt them. As Cathy says, "I am Heathcliff! He's always, always in my mind: not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself; but as my own being." The narrative suggests that the intensity of their bond is fueled by its taboo nature, as they are from different social classes and their families oppose their union. The power of their love becomes almost overwhelming at times, driving them to madness and despair.
Narrative 3: Madame Bovary
Gustave Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary" follows the story of Emma, a woman who becomes obsessed with the idea of romance and passion after reading sentimental novels. She fantasizes about a life filled with excitement and adventure, but when she finally finds herself in a real-life romance with Rodolphe, she quickly grows bored and disillusioned. This disappointment leads her down a path of infidelity and ultimately death, highlighting how the forbidden can lead to dangerous consequences. The novel demonstrates how our expectations of desire may be shaped by media and literature, but reality often falls short of these ideals.
Narrative 4: Twilight
The final example comes from Stephenie Meyer's series "Twilight," which portrays an intense, supernatural romance between human Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen. Their relationship is fraught with danger and risk due to Edward's supernatural abilities, creating a sense of thrill and anticipation for both characters. Despite the many obstacles they face, their attraction remains strong, as they feel a deep connection that transcends all else. The narrative suggests that the forbidden nature of their relationship makes it more exciting and alluring than any other type of interaction could be.
Stories like these demonstrate how the forbidden can have a powerful effect on the phenomenology of desire, amplifying its intensity and making it all the more compelling. Through exploring different types of relationships and the emotional effects they have on those involved, we can gain a deeper understanding of how desire operates and why certain attractions are so irresistible.
How do narratives of the forbidden influence the phenomenology of desire?
The phenomena of desire can be influenced by a wide range of factors that affect an individual's experiences and perceptions. One such factor is the presence of narratives about the forbidden. These stories often depict individuals engaging in taboo behaviors and activities, which may trigger feelings of curiosity, excitement, or even guilt in those who hear them.