Reading makes me horny
From sado-masochism to necrophilia, Sade uncovers it all
Cassandra Gerrard
Excalibur (York University)
TORONTO (CUP) — What comes to mind when you hear the word “pornography?” For me, it conjures up images of busty girls doing dirty deeds, of adolescent boys blushing when their mothers peek under their beds, of priests and women with high collars warning that pornography will corrupt our nation, and of Jenna Jameson’s proclamation that she is a feminist. Among the list of things that do not come to mind are books.
When people think of porn, it is visuals that come to mind. As we are immersed more and more in a visual culture, it only makes sense. Does anyone read anymore? More to the point, who reads when they want to get off?
Pornography in Western culture dates back to the 16th century and, of course, lacking today’s technology, it was found in written form. Early pornography, however, was not used for the purposes of sexual arousal, as it is today. Instead it was used as a political tool. What better way to draw attention to a corrupt church official than to show him in an erect state, about to have sex with a nun? Stories of Marie-Antoinette in the midst of orgies were a commentary on aristocratic excess. Tales of dirty politicians having their way with prostitutes were used to undermine authority.
The real juicy stuff began with the Marquis de Sade; with the term “sadism” being his namesake, this is not surprising. Living in 18th century France, de Sade was imprisoned more than once for his lewd lifestyle, which included abusing prostitutes and his house staff, having an affair with his wife’s sister and poisoning women with a drug that he thought was an aphrodisiac.
It was while in prison that he penned most of his work. His most famous works include The 120 Days of Sodom, Justine, its companion novel Juliette, and Philosophy in the Bedroom. Living a life of scandal and squalor, de Sade was capable of the kind of writing that simultaneously shocked, disgusted and titillated readers.
His books are not the same brand of “pornography” we are used to. Rather than trite storylines used only as a device for getting to the sex, his works entangle sex and ideology. They also show an intense preoccupation with violence. Interspersed with scenes of rape and oral sex are conversations about atheism. Mixed with descriptions of sodomy and orgies are attacks on moral norms and compulsory heterosexuality.
Storylines permeated with philosophy make some hesitant about labelling de Sade’s works pornography. Others, still, are reluctant to use the term because many of the acts described in de Sade’s work are nothing short of disgusting (for example, characters repeatedly vomiting in each other’s mouths as a form of foreplay).
But some facts are undeniable. First, de Sade thoroughly introduced us to the mantra of most pornography: if it feels good, do it. He was obsessed with hedonism and, in both his writings and his own life, showed no remorse for the people who were hurt in the pursuit of pleasure.
Secondly, his works pushed boundaries. In a time when sodomy and homosexuality could be persecuted by death, he brought a huge range of sexual pleasures to the forefront. He paved the way for all the pornographers to come. Even if you think his works are dirty or despicable, someone gets off on them.
