Lit-crit approaches to consent have been around for decades, but they didn't really become mainstream until the MeToo movement made it a hot button issue. Since then, literary criticism has taken an increased interest in how authors explore consent issues through their work—and there are plenty of ways they can do that!
One way is through characterization.
Let's look at Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." At one point Darcy forces himself on Elizabeth during a dance, but she doesn't want him to touch her. It's considered rape by today's standards, but was accepted behavior back then. The novel explores this power dynamic by showing both characters' feelings about it: Lizzie is shocked and disgusted while Darcy is ashamed of his actions but still sees them as acceptable due to social norms. This reveals a lot about the different pressures put on men and women during Regency England when it comes to sexuality.
Another way authors examine sexual coercion is through plot structure. In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," Offred is repeatedly assaulted by the Commander but never gets permission beforehand because she's not allowed any agency or autonomy. As we read further into the story, though, we learn more about why she stays with him despite being so traumatized by these experiences; she feels like she has no other choice due to Gilead's strict rules regarding fertility and freedom. This shows us how abuse can be normalized within larger structures like governments or religions where victims may feel unable to escape without serious consequences for themselves or others.
Some works use metaphor or symbolism to explore consent issues in layered ways. Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" is an example here—the narrator kills an old man he lives with out of jealousy over another man who visits regularly but does nothing wrong himself. By using horror elements like murder and madness, Poe illustrates how deep-seated fear can lead people to commit violent acts against those they love even if there was never physical violence involved (or any kind of threat). He also touches upon topics like race relations and class differences that were common at the time when writing this piece; showing us how power imbalances between different groups affect perceptions of what constitutes appropriate behavior from both sides of the spectrum.
Literature provides a great way for readers to see complex social frameworks through the lens of sexual coercion/consent dynamics. Whether it's characterization, plot structure, or metaphorical language – authors offer insightful commentary on cultural norms while still telling engaging stories full of depth and emotion.
How does literature examine sexual coercion and consent in layered social frameworks?
Sexual coercion can occur when one party is pressured into engaging in sexual activity against their will through physical force, manipulation of emotions, or other means. In literature, this behavior is often portrayed as a violation of personal boundaries and autonomy, with serious consequences for those involved. Consent, on the other hand, involves an explicit agreement between two individuals about what they are comfortable doing together sexually.