Historical Accounts of Erotic Communication
The ancient Greeks considered oral sex to be an essential aspect of their daily lives, particularly for women. In Plato's Symposium, Aristophanes describes how female genitalia was originally doubled, with one part in front and another behind, but Zeus split them in half as punishment for promiscuous behavior. According to Aristotle, men who engaged in fellatio were considered effeminate and should avoid it. The Romans also had strict rules about oral sex - slaves were forbidden from engaging in it and prostitutes charged more if they performed fellatio than vaginal sex. Oral sex was viewed as "unnatural" due to its non-procreative nature and associated with bestiality.
Medieval Europe saw a revival of Christianity, which condemned all forms of sexual activity outside marriage.
Some texts suggest that oral sex continued, albeit covertly. In 1285, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote that oral sex is not sinful because it does not lead to conception, though he still regarded it as morally wrong. In the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci drew nudes with mouths open wide suggesting fellatio. During the Enlightenment, John Cleland's Fanny Hill (1749) detailed various erotic acts, including fellatio, leading to a public outcry and censorship.
Modern era:
In modern times, oral sex has become increasingly accepted, although still taboo. Sigmund Freud believed that oral fixation was common among children, with adults seeking pleasure through their mouths rather than genitals. Alfred Kinsey's research found that 36% of Americans surveyed reported having experienced oral sex at least once, but only 50% admitted to enjoying it. Feminist scholars have argued that fellatio reinforces gender roles and objectifies women. Some view it as a form of power play or submission. Nonetheless, it remains an important part of many people's sexual lives, often used for intimacy, sensuality, and emotional expression.
Historical accounts of erotic communication show how societies have viewed oral sex over time. From ancient Greece to contemporary America, attitudes towards this practice have shifted dramatically. While some saw it as unnatural or immoral, others embraced it as a natural expression of love and desire. As society becomes more accepting of different types of relationships, oral sex is likely to remain a popular form of intimate communication.
How do historical accounts of erotic communication depict oral sex as a medium of emotional expression, sensual dialogue, and relational articulation?
In recent years, scholars have started to examine how oral sex can be used as a medium for emotional expression, sensual dialogue, and relational articulation. The idea that oral sex is primarily a physical act has been challenged by this research. Instead, many argue that oral sex can convey complex messages about love, desire, and intimacy beyond just the physical stimulation it provides.