Sexuality in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Sexuality

The etymology of the term “sexuality” traces its origins to the Latin word “sexus,” which refers to the division of living organisms into male and female categories. The suffix “-ality” was later appended to “sex” to form “sexuality” in the 19th century.

Initially, it denoted the biological aspect of an individual’s reproductive functions and distinctions. However, over time, the concept evolved to encompass a broader range of dimensions, including sexual desires, behaviors, orientations, and identities, reflecting the complex interplay of biology, culture, and society in shaping human experiences and understanding of human sexuality.

This expanded understanding has been central to the fields of psychology, sociology, and gender studies, leading to the contemporary multifaceted conception of human sexuality.

Meanings of Sexuality

Aspect	Meaning
Eroticism	In literature, it often explores themes of eroticism, desire, and passion, portraying the sensual aspects of human relationships and the intricate interplay of sexual attraction.
Gender Identity and Expression	Literary works frequently delve into the complexities of gender identity and expression, challenging conventional norms and shedding light on the diverse ways individuals experience their own sexuality.
Taboos and Transgressions	Sexuality in literature can be a platform for addressing taboos, exploring forbidden desires, and examining the consequences of sexual transgressions within society.
Sexual Politics and Power Dynamics	Many literary texts scrutinize the power dynamics and politics intertwined with sexuality, often critiquing societal structures and inequalities related to gender and sexual orientation.
Coming of Age and Sexual Awakening	Literature frequently portrays the journey of characters as they navigate the process of coming to terms with their own sexual identities and desires, marking a significant theme in various genres.
Symbolism and Allegory	Sexuality in literature can be employed symbolically or allegorically, representing deeper themes and concepts related to human nature, morality, and the human condition.
Sexual Liberation and Empowerment	Some literary works celebrate sexual liberation and empowerment, advocating for autonomy over one’s own body and desires, and challenging oppressive norms.
Queer Literature	A distinct subset of literature, queer literature, explores the experiences and identities of LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing issues related to sexual orientation, identity, and discrimination.
Psychoanalysis and Sexuality	Psychoanalytic literary theory often delves into the psychological dimensions of characters’ sexuality, examining how their desires and experiences shape their actions and narratives.
Socio-Cultural Commentary	Sexuality in literature serves as a vehicle for critiquing and reflecting upon societal attitudes, values, and norms, offering insights into cultural contexts and historical perspectives on human sexuality.

Definition of Sexuality as a Theoretical Term

Sexuality, as a theoretical term, refers to the complex and multifaceted aspects of human sexual experiences, desires, and identities that are shaped by biological, psychological, cultural, and societal influences. It encompasses a broad spectrum of phenomena, including sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual behaviors, and the socio-cultural contexts in which they occur. The study of sexuality within various academic disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, and gender studies, seeks to analyze and understand the intricate interplay of these factors in shaping individual and collective sexual expressions and norms.

Sexuality: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939):
   • Works: Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality (1905) and Civilization and Its Discontents (1930).
   • Arguments: Freud introduced the idea that human development is intimately tied to sexual stages, including the oral, anal, phallic, and genital stages. He also explored concepts like the Oedipus complex and the role of the unconscious in shaping sexual desires and behaviors.
2. Michel Foucault (1926-1984):
   • Works: The History of Sexuality (1976-1984).
   • Arguments: Foucault argued that sexuality is a socially constructed concept, subject to various historical and cultural transformations. He introduced the idea of “biopower,” explaining how institutions and discourses control and regulate sexual behavior. His work has been influential in queer theory and postmodern understandings of sexuality.
3. Judith Butler:
   • Works: Gender Trouble (1990) and Bodies That Matter (1993).
   • Arguments: Butler is known for her contributions to queer theory and gender performativity. She argues that gender and sexuality are not inherent but are constructed through repeated, culturally mediated performances. Her work challenges binary notions of gender and opens up possibilities for diverse sexual and gender identities.

Works:

1. The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir (1949):
   • Argument: De Beauvoir’s groundbreaking work delves into the construction of femininity and women’s subjugation in a patriarchal society. She explores how sexuality is intertwined with the social status of women and their liberation.
2. The Social Construction of Sexuality by Steven Seidman (2005):
   • Argument: Seidman’s book examines how sexuality is socially constructed and shaped by historical, cultural, and political forces. He discusses the fluidity of sexual identities and orientations.
3. Gender Trouble by Judith Butler (1990):
   • Argument: In this work, Butler challenges conventional ideas of gender identity and argues that it is performed and constructed rather than being a fixed, inherent quality. She introduces the concept of performativity.

Arguments:

1. Social Constructionism:
   • Argument: Many theorists, like Foucault and Seidman, argue that sexuality is not an innate or fixed aspect of human nature but is socially constructed. They emphasize how cultural norms and institutions shape our understanding of what is considered normal or deviant sexuality.
2. Queer Theory:
   • Argument: Queer theorists, inspired by Foucault and Butler, challenge heteronormativity and binary notions of gender and sexuality. They argue for the acceptance and celebration of non-normative sexual identities and orientations.
3. Intersectionality:
   • Argument: Intersectional approaches, as advocated by Kimberlé Crenshaw and others, emphasize that individuals experience sexuality differently based on their intersecting social identities, including race, class, gender, and sexual orientation. This perspective highlights the importance of recognizing diverse experiences within the realm of sexuality.

Sexuality and Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Queer Theory	Queer theory explores how literature portrays non-normative sexual identities and challenges traditional binary notions of gender and sexuality. It examines how authors subvert or deconstruct heteronormative narratives and representations, highlighting the diversity of sexual experiences.
Feminist Literary Theory	Feminist literary theory examines how gender and sexuality intersect in literature. It analyzes the portrayal of women’s sexuality, their agency, and the ways patriarchal structures influence narratives. Discussions often revolve around issues of power, consent, and representation.
Psychoanalytic Literary Theory	Psychoanalytic theory delves into the psychological dimensions of characters’ sexuality in literature. It explores the unconscious desires and conflicts that shape characters’ motivations and behaviors, adding depth to character analysis.
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial literature engages with issues of sexuality as they relate to colonial and postcolonial contexts. It examines how colonialism and imperialism influenced sexual norms and practices in colonized regions and how these themes are represented in literature.
Marxist Literary Theory	Marxism analyzes the economic and social aspects of sexuality in literature. It explores how class structures impact characters’ sexual experiences, relationships, and opportunities, shedding light on issues of power and exploitation.
Narrative Theory	Narrative theory considers how storytelling shapes our understanding of sexuality. It examines the narrative techniques authors use to convey sexual experiences, desires, and identity development, highlighting how storytelling influences our perceptions.
Intersectionality	Intersectional literary analysis examines how sexuality intersects with other social categories, such as race, class, and gender. It explores how these intersecting identities influence characters’ experiences and relationships, providing a more comprehensive understanding of representation in literature.
Cultural Studies	Cultural studies analyze how literature reflects and contributes to cultural attitudes and norms surrounding sexuality. It explores how literature participates in the construction and dissemination of sexual ideologies within specific cultural contexts.
Narratology	Narratology examines the structure and function of narratives, including the way authors use narrative techniques to convey sexual experiences and desires. It can reveal how the narrative form itself can be used to engage with and challenge sexual norms.
Literary Eroticism	This specialized field focuses on the explicit portrayal of sexuality and eroticism in literature. It explores how authors use language and imagery to evoke sensual and sexual experiences, often addressing themes of desire, passion, and intimacy.

Sexuality in Literary Criticism

1. Normal People by Sally Rooney (Irish-British): This novel intricately explores the complex and evolving relationship between Connell and Marianne as they navigate the challenges of social class, mental health, and intimacy. Normal People delves deeply into the intricacies of young adult sexuality, offering a nuanced portrayal of how societal norms influence the characters’ intimate experiences. The narrative examines themes of consent, power dynamics, and emotional connection, making it a poignant exploration of the intersection of love, identity, and desire within the context of a transformative relationship.
2. The Water Cure by Sophie Mackintosh (British): Set in a dystopian world, the novel follows three sisters living on an isolated island. Their world is disrupted when men arrive, revealing themes of control and power. The Water Cure provides a powerful exploration of it as a tool of control and dominance within patriarchal structures, serving as a feminist critique. The narrative sheds light on the manipulation and restriction of women’s sexuality while challenging power dynamics, making it a thought-provoking examination of how sexuality is used as a means of asserting authority and resistance.
3. Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (American-Egyptian): This novel unfolds the passionate summer romance between Elio and Oliver on the sun-drenched Italian Riviera. Call Me By Your Name beautifully portrays the exploration of same-sex desire and the awakening of sexuality in a young man. The narrative offers a poignant examination of love, identity, and the fluidity of desire within the backdrop of a transformative summer romance. It eloquently captures the complexities and vulnerabilities of navigating one’s own sexual awakening and the intensity of an unforgettable connection.
4. Disoriental by Négar Djavadi (Iranian-French): The novel follows Kimiâ, an Iranian immigrant in France, on a reflective journey as she explores her family’s history, identity, and sexual orientation. Disoriental is a profound exploration of themes of exile, identity, and sexual orientation within the context of an immigrant family. The narrative provides a powerful perspective on how it intersects with the cultural and political aspects of one’s life, making it a compelling narrative of self-discovery, belonging, and the complex relationship between personal identity and cultural heritage.

Suggested Readings

1. Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
2. Foucault, Michel. The History of Sexuality, Volume 1: An Introduction. Vintage Books, 1990.
3. Freud, Sigmund. Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality. Basic Books, 2018.
4. Halperin, David M. One Hundred Years of Homosexuality: And Other Essays on Greek Love. Routledge, 1990.
5. Jagose, Annamarie. Queer Theory: An Introduction. New York University Press, 1996.
6. Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky. Epistemology of the Closet. University of California Press, 2008.
7. Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky. Tendencies. Duke University Press, 1993.
8. Seidman, Steven. The Social Construction of Sexuality. W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.
9. Warner, Michael. The Trouble with Normal: Sex, Politics, and the Ethics of Queer Life. Harvard University Press, 1999.
10. Weeks, Jeffrey. Sexuality and Its Discontents: Meanings, Myths, and Modern Sexualities. Routledge, 2015.