Masturbation is one of the most common forms of sexual expression among humans, but it has been subject to various cultural taboos and social stigmas throughout history. In this article, we will discuss how masturbation is portrayed in mainstream literature and cinema.
One of the earliest depictions of masturbation in literature can be found in Aristophanes' play Lysistrata, which dates back to ancient Greece. In the play, women withhold sex from their husbands to force them to end the Peloponnesian War.
The men soon begin masturbating instead, and the women realize they are powerless against this "weapon." This humorous scene illustrates the absurdity of male aggression and the futility of war.
In modern literature, masturbation is often used as a comedic device.
In James Joyce's novel Ulysses, the protagonist Leopold Bloom fantasizes about his wife Molly while masturbating. The scene is meant to be both funny and sad, highlighting the disconnect between Bloom's desire for intimacy and his inability to communicate it with his wife.
In contemporary literature, masturbation is often represented as an act of personal exploration or discovery. In Chuck Palahniuk's novel Fight Club, the narrator describes a character who uses self-pleasure as a way to cope with emotional pain and loneliness. Similarly, in J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield admits to masturbating while thinking about his deceased brother Allie. These examples show how masturbation can be used as a coping mechanism for difficult emotions.
In cinema, masturbation is often depicted as a secretive and shameful act.
In Blue Is the Warmest Color, Adele discovers that she is lesbian when she masturbates while watching two other women kiss. She later seeks out sex with both women but eventually rejects them because of her guilt over her sexual desires. This scene shows how society can make masturbation feel like something dirty and taboo.
There has been more openness around masturbation in film and television. Shows like Girls and Game of Thrones feature characters who are comfortable with their own bodies and sexuality, including masturbation. These depictions challenge traditional notions of female sexuality and show that masturbation can be a healthy part of human experience.
Mainstream literature and film have portrayed masturbation in various ways throughout history, from comedic relief to serious explorations of identity. While some portrayals still carry negative connotations, others celebrate masturbation as an expression of individual freedom and agency.
How does masturbation get represented in mainstream literature and film?
Masturbation has been a controversial topic throughout history and across cultures. While some individuals have openly discussed it as an acceptable practice, others view it as taboo and shameful. In recent decades, there has been increased acceptance of masturbation and its portrayal in popular media, such as television shows and movies.