The Erotic Body in the 18th Century: Love, Sin, and Illness
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Mladen Kozul, Le corps érotique au xviiie siècle : Amour, péché, maladie
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Oxford, Voltaire Foundation, University of Oxford, 2011, 244 p.
Original source:
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Isabelle Jonveaux
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Mladen Kozul, Le corps érotique au xviiie siècle : Amour, péché, maladie
Year: 2012 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.24022
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mladen Kozul's book, "Le corps érotique au XVIIIe siècle : Amour, péché, maladie," published by the Voltaire Foundation at the University of Oxford, explores the intricate relationship between eroticism and religious discourse in the 18th century. This period marked a growing interest in the body within the social sciences, including the sociology of religion. While the book's title may not initially suggest a focus on religious questions, Kozul argues that religious perspectives significantly shape the understanding of the erotic body and the issues surrounding erotic literature during this era.
The Interplay of Religious and Erotic Discourse
A key concept in Kozul's analysis is the “porosity” between literary, religious, and medical discourses, particularly seen in erotic novels by authors such as Laclos, Prévost, and Boyer d'Argens. He posits that erotic literature often draws from religious discourse, which attempts to regulate sexuality through description and admonition. This interaction highlights the complexities of religious practices, where penalties for the body—like penance and mortification—could paradoxically lead to pleasure and enjoyment. Through examples like the portrayal of religious figures engaged in erotic scenarios, Kozul illustrates how the connections between penitential practices and bodily enjoyment expose the ambiguities within the religious ethos of the time.
Conclusion
Kozul contends that erotic novels do not merely react to ecclesiastical perspectives but also challenge the Church's moral authority over the body. By bringing to light the equivocal nature of certain penitential practices, the literature of the 18th century offers valuable insights into the ongoing moral debates surrounding the body, which still resonate in contemporary discussions. This examination reminds readers of the enduring tension between physicality and morality, urging a reconsideration of how these themes continue to inform religious and social discourses today.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of Mladen Kozul's book?
Mladen Kozul's book explores the relationship between eroticism and religious concepts of the body in the 18th century, highlighting how erotic novels interact with religious and medical discourses.
How does Kozul connect erotic literature and religious practices?
Kozul demonstrates that erotic literature borrows from religious discourse, presenting how themes of penance and bodily punishment often intertwine with pleasure, revealing the complexities of moral and religious practices of the time.
What argument does Kozul make about the church's role?
Kozul argues that erotic literature challenges the church's moral authority, suggesting that its condemnation arises from literature exposing the ambiguities present in religious practices surrounding the body during the 18th century.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Erotic Body in the 18th Century: Love, Sin, and Illness”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Erotic (Eroticism):
Eroticism is a prevalent theme in Kozul's exploration of the eighteenth century, connecting themes of love, desire, and body regulation with the discourse of religion. The analysis shows how erotic literature can be seen as a rebellion against the strictures of ecclesiastical control.
2) Religion:
Religion plays a significant role in framing the moral and ethical discussions about the body in the eighteenth century. Kozul argues that religious discourse regulates eroticism, yet also reveals the tensions between sin and virtue, shaping societal attitudes towards love and bodily experiences.
3) Disease:
[see source text or glossary: #Disease#]
4) Love:
Love in the context of Kozul's work is seen as both a driving force behind erotic narratives and a conflicting element within religious teachings. The exploration of love addresses its multifaceted nature, emphasizing the inherent conflicts caused by societal and ecclesiastical moral standards.
5) Lead:
In Kozul's exploration, narrative themes often lead to reflections on the nature of the body, eroticism, and religious practices. Such analyses can lead to challenging existing moral frameworks, wherein literature becomes a vehicle for questioning established norms of bodily regulation and desire.
6) Enjoyment:
Enjoyment is identified as a central theme within erotic literature, juxtaposed with religious practices of penance. Kozul posits that while religious rhetoric aims to discipline the body, this can paradoxically lead to experiences of enjoyment and bodily pleasure, creating a complex interplay.
7) Pleasure:
Pleasure in this context is intricately linked to erotic narratives and the experiences that arise from them. Kozul's work emphasizes that pleasure, often depicted in contrast to religious commandments, serves to highlight the ambivalence of human experiences and moral conflicts surrounding the body.
8) Literature:
Literature serves as a critical lens through which the erotic body is examined in Kozul's work. By analyzing various texts from figures like Laclos and Prévost, the investigation reveals how literary forms challenge religious dogmas while expressing deep human emotions tied to love and desire.
9) Reflection:
Reflection within the text involves a critical analysis of the ways religious practices impact bodily experiences. Kozul prompts readers to reflect on how historical narratives around penance and morality shape contemporary views of the body, eroticism, and societal norms.
10) Salvation:
[see source text or glossary: #Salvation#]
11) Priest:
The figure of the priest appears throughout Kozul's analysis, often representing the intersection of religious authority and erotic temptation. This dynamic exemplifies the struggle between spiritual leadership and human desire, revealing complexities inherent in religious views on pleasure and sin.
12) Desire:
Desire is a fundamental concept that permeates Kozul's examination of erotic literature and its relationship with religious discourse. It reveals the underlying tensions between spiritual aspirations and carnal inclinations, exploring how literature reflects the ambivalence tied to both love and sin.
13) Venu:
[see source text or glossary: #Venu#]
14) Book:
The book by Mladen Kozul is significant for its contributions to understanding the relations between eroticism, religion, and literary expression in the eighteenth century. It opens up discussions on how these themes are interwoven to illustrate the complexities of love and bodily experiences.