The Marquis de Sade and the Resurgence of Erotica in Modern Literature

Abstract

Abstract

Both Sade and erotic fiction authors create mythologized versions of sexual behavior to appeal to the reader. For Sade, the core of his philosophy is “il faut tout dire” and many modern authors continue this tradition by popularizing alternate sexual preferences. Today’s erotica can be seen as facing some of the same problems that plagued Sade’s works, but the genre has gained mainstream status by merging erotic scenes into a romantic framework. By tracing the history of erotic fiction, we can see not only Sade’s influence on the genre, but how modern works continue to shock and appeal to audiences.

Keywords: Sade, erotic fiction, Fifty Shades of Grey, Sleeping Beauty trilogy, Story of O

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Bibliography: Deininger, Melissa: The Marquis de Sade and the Resurgence of Erotica in Modern Literature, INSEP, Vol. 4, Issue 1-2016, pp. 64-75. https://doi.org/10.3224/insep.v2i1.25767