“Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde: Summary and Critique

Introduction: “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde

“Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde first appeared in 1978 as a paper delivered at the Fourth Berkshire Conference on the History of Women at Mount Holyoke College and was later published by Out & Out Books as a pamphlet. It was subsequently reprinted in Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches in 1984 by Crossing Press. In this seminal work, Lorde presents the erotic as a powerful and deeply misunderstood force that has been suppressed by patriarchal systems. She argues that the erotic, far from being trivial or pornographic, is a source of profound energy and empowerment, especially for women. Lorde critiques how Western society has distorted the erotic, reducing it to a superficial, commodified form while overlooking its potential to inspire authentic feeling, self-awareness, and transformative power. Within literary theory, the essay has been used to challenge the boundaries between the personal and the political, and to advocate for a reimagining of power dynamics that are rooted in embodied, emotional knowledge rather than external oppression.

Summary of “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde

1. The Erotic as a Source of Power
   Lorde redefines the erotic as a deeply spiritual and empowering force that goes beyond physical pleasure, noting, “The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane.” She argues that society has distorted the erotic, reducing it to something trivial or pornographic, when in reality it is “firmly rooted in the power of our unexpressed or unrecognized feeling.” Lorde emphasizes that the erotic can be a well of replenishing strength, especially for women, and is critical for personal and social transformation.
2. Suppression of the Erotic by Patriarchal Systems
   Lorde points out how the erotic has been systematically suppressed by patriarchal society, which devalues or distorts female power. She writes, “In order to perpetuate itself, every oppression must corrupt or distort those various sources of power within the culture of the oppressed.” This suppression has led women to distrust their deepest feelings and internal sources of power, often due to the influence of male-dominated systems.
3. The Erotic vs. the Pornographic
   Lorde draws a clear distinction between the erotic and pornography. While the erotic is about deeply felt, meaningful experience, “pornography is a direct denial of the power of the erotic, for it represents the suppression of true feeling.” She explains that pornography emphasizes sensation without genuine feeling, distorting and exploiting the erotic for superficial purposes.
4. The Erotic as a Measure of Fulfillment
   Lorde discusses how the erotic serves as a guide for living a more fulfilled life. “The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings,” she writes. Once we experience the full depth of the erotic, it becomes an internal benchmark for the quality of our lives, work, and relationships, encouraging us to seek excellence and authentic connection.
5. Reclaiming the Erotic for Empowerment
   For women to reclaim their power, Lorde argues they must reconnect with the erotic within themselves. She states, “When we begin to live from within outward, in touch with the power of the erotic within ourselves… we begin to be responsible to ourselves in the deepest sense.” This reclamation allows women to reject the limitations imposed by patriarchal values and instead live empowered lives, guided by their own desires and feelings.
6. The Erotic as a Political and Spiritual Force
   Lorde challenges the false separation between the spiritual and the political, claiming that the erotic bridges these realms. She writes, “The bridge which connects them is formed by the erotic—the sensual—those physical, emotional, and psychic expressions of what is deepest and strongest within each of us.” The erotic, according to Lorde, is an inherently political force, capable of driving revolutionary change when properly understood and embraced.

Literary Terms/Concepts in “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde

Literary Term/Concept	Explanation	Example/Reference from the Text
The Erotic	The concept of the erotic is redefined by Lorde as a deep source of power, fulfillment, and connection to one’s true self. It is not just about physical pleasure, but about emotional and spiritual depth.	“The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane, firmly rooted in the power of our unexpressed or unrecognized feeling.”
Oppression	Lorde explains that oppression distorts and suppresses sources of power like the erotic, particularly for women. Oppression sustains itself by corrupting these sources of power.	“In order to perpetuate itself, every oppression must corrupt or distort those various sources of power within the culture of the oppressed.”
Pornography vs. Erotic	Lorde differentiates between the erotic and pornography, with the latter representing a distortion of true feeling. Pornography emphasizes sensation without emotional or spiritual depth, unlike the erotic, which fosters empowerment.	“Pornography is a direct denial of the power of the erotic, for it represents the suppression of true feeling.”
Empowerment	Central to Lorde’s argument is the notion of reclaiming the erotic as a source of empowerment, allowing women to live more authentic and powerful lives.	“When we begin to live from within outward, in touch with the power of the erotic within ourselves… we begin to be responsible to ourselves in the deepest sense.”
Spirituality	The erotic is framed not just as a physical or emotional force but as a spiritual one, connecting deeply to the individual’s sense of self and purpose.	“The bridge which connects them is formed by the erotic—the sensual—those physical, emotional, and psychic expressions of what is deepest and strongest and richest within each of us.”
Patriarchy	Lorde critiques patriarchal systems for distorting the erotic and using it to subjugate women, leading to their disempowerment and alienation from their own power.	“As women, we have come to distrust that power which rises from our deepest and nonrational knowledge.”
Self-Knowledge	The erotic is linked to self-awareness and the knowledge of one’s own potential for joy, fulfillment, and power. Lorde argues that this self-knowledge is essential for personal and political empowerment.	“Once we know the extent to which we are capable of feeling that sense of satisfaction and completion… we can then observe which of our various life endeavours bring us closest to that fullness.”
Emotional Depth	Lorde argues that the erotic is about deep, authentic emotional connection, in contrast to the shallow, commodified sensations of pornography.	“The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings.”
Revolutionary Potential	Lorde highlights the potential of the erotic to inspire revolutionary change, by empowering individuals to reject oppressive systems and live according to their deepest desires and feelings.	“Recognizing the power of the erotic within our lives can give us the energy to pursue genuine change within our world.”

Contribution of “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde to Literary Theory/Theories

Examples of Critiques Through “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde

Literary Work	Critique Through the Lens of Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic”	Key Connections to Lorde’s Ideas
Virginia Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own” (1929)	Woolf argues for women’s intellectual and financial independence but largely overlooks the role of the erotic as a source of power and self-awareness. Lorde’s framework could critique Woolf’s emphasis on external conditions (money, space) without recognizing the importance of the internal, erotic life in fostering creativity and empowerment.	Lorde’s concept of the erotic as an inner resource would expand Woolf’s argument, suggesting that true empowerment also comes from acknowledging and reclaiming emotional and sensual depths, not just external circumstances.
Toni Morrison’s “Sula” (1973)	Sula, as a character, embodies many of Lorde’s ideas on the erotic, challenging traditional gender roles and reclaiming her sexual and emotional autonomy. Through the lens of Lorde’s work, Sula’s rejection of societal norms can be seen as a reclamation of the erotic as a source of personal power, even though society views her choices negatively.	Lorde’s idea that “the erotic offers a well of replenishing and provocative force” is reflected in Sula’s defiance of societal expectations and her pursuit of self-satisfaction, both physically and emotionally.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” (1892)	Gilman’s protagonist is suppressed not only physically but emotionally and erotically by patriarchal medical practices. Through Lorde’s lens, her mental breakdown can be seen as a result of the repression of the erotic, as the protagonist is denied any connection to her deeper feelings and desires. The room, a site of control, becomes a symbol of the suppression of her inner power.	Lorde’s critique of patriarchal suppression of the erotic can be applied here, as the protagonist is denied the “power of our unexpressed or unrecognized feeling,” leading to psychological fragmentation and isolation.
Kate Chopin’s “The Awakening” (1899)	Lorde’s concept of the erotic offers a way to understand Edna Pontellier’s awakening to her emotional and sexual desires. Edna’s journey toward self-fulfillment can be critiqued through Lorde’s ideas on how reclaiming the erotic leads to personal empowerment. However, Edna’s ultimate fate might be seen as the result of society’s unwillingness to accept her erotic freedom.	Lorde’s notion that the erotic empowers women to live more authentically is reflected in Edna’s awakening. However, Lorde would critique the social structure that forces Edna’s tragic end, as it reflects society’s fear of women fully embracing their erotic power.

Criticism Against “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde

1. Over-Romanticization of the Erotic
   Some critics argue that Lorde over-romanticizes the concept of the erotic, portraying it as a universal source of empowerment without sufficiently addressing the complexities and variations in how individuals experience sexuality and power. This idealization may overlook the nuanced, diverse ways in which people relate to their bodies and desires.
2. Lack of Engagement with Male Experiences of the Erotic
   Lorde focuses primarily on women’s experiences with the erotic, particularly within patriarchal systems. Critics suggest that her work does not fully engage with how men might also experience the erotic as a source of empowerment or oppression, potentially limiting the essay’s broader applicability to human experiences beyond gender binaries.
3. Insufficient Consideration of Intersectionality in All Aspects
   While Lorde is known for her intersectional approach, some critics claim that “Uses of the Erotic” does not fully engage with the different ways that race, class, or cultural background might intersect with the erotic. This has led to critiques that the essay’s focus on women as a monolithic group underplays differences in how women from various backgrounds experience and reclaim the erotic.
4. The Dichotomy Between the Erotic and Pornographic
   Lorde’s distinction between the erotic and pornographic has been critiqued for being overly simplistic. Some argue that this binary framing does not account for the complexity of sexual expression, particularly in art and media, where pornography might also be seen as a site of empowerment for some individuals or groups.
5. Ambiguity in the Practical Application of the Erotic
   Critics sometimes point out that Lorde’s concept of the erotic remains abstract and theoretical, leaving unclear how individuals can practically reclaim the erotic as a source of power in their everyday lives. This vagueness has led to questions about the essay’s direct applicability in achieving the empowerment Lorde advocates for.

Representative Quotations from “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde with Explanation

Quotation	Explanation
1. “The erotic is a resource within each of us that lies in a deeply female and spiritual plane, firmly rooted in the power of our unexpressed or unrecognized feeling.”	Lorde introduces the erotic as a profound and empowering internal force, which has been repressed by patriarchal society. She positions it as both a spiritual and emotional source of power, particularly for women.
2. “In order to perpetuate itself, every oppression must corrupt or distort those various sources of power within the culture of the oppressed that can provide energy for change.”	This quote highlights how systems of oppression intentionally suppress the erotic, as it has the potential to be a revolutionary source of energy for the oppressed, particularly for women.
3. “We have been taught to suspect this resource, vilified, abused, and devalued within western society.”	Lorde critiques the cultural conditioning that teaches women to fear or devalue their own erotic power, framing this suppression as a tool of patriarchy.
4. “Pornography is a direct denial of the power of the erotic, for it represents the suppression of true feeling. Pornography emphasizes sensation without feeling.”	Lorde distinguishes between the erotic and pornography, critiquing pornography for reducing the erotic to mere physical sensation without emotional depth or genuine feeling.
5. “The erotic is a measure between the beginnings of our sense of self and the chaos of our strongest feelings.”	Here, Lorde emphasizes the erotic as a guide for self-awareness and emotional intensity, suggesting that the erotic helps navigate between internal identity and overwhelming emotions.
6. “Once we know the extent to which we are capable of feeling that sense of satisfaction and completion, we can then observe which of our various life endeavors bring us closest to that fullness.”	This quotation underscores the transformative potential of the erotic as a guide for achieving personal fulfillment and satisfaction in various areas of life, from work to relationships.
7. “The aim of each thing which we do is to make our lives and the lives of our children richer and more possible.”	Lorde links the erotic to the larger purpose of enriching life and ensuring that both the individual and future generations live fuller, more meaningful lives.
8. “Recognizing the power of the erotic within our lives can give us the energy to pursue genuine change within our world, rather than merely settling for a shift of characters in the same weary drama.”	This quote positions the erotic as a revolutionary force that can inspire real societal change, rather than superficial reforms that leave underlying power structures intact.
9. “When we begin to live from within outward, in touch with the power of the erotic within ourselves, we begin to be responsible to ourselves in the deepest sense.”	Lorde speaks to the empowerment that comes from connecting with one’s erotic power, suggesting that this connection leads to a deeper sense of responsibility and self-ownership.
10. “Our acts against oppression become integral with self, motivated and empowered from within.”	This quote encapsulates the core of Lorde’s argument: that the erotic is essential for resistance and that once people embrace their erotic power, their actions against oppression become authentic and self-driven.

Suggested Readings: “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power” by Audre Lorde

1. Dhairyam, Sagri. “‘Artifacts for Survival’: Remapping the Contours of Poetry with Audre Lorde.” Feminist Studies, vol. 18, no. 2, 1992, pp. 229–56. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3178226. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
2. “Quotations from Audre Lorde.” Off Our Backs, vol. 22, no. 11, 1992, pp. 3–23. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25775820. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
3. Lorde, Audre. “The Erotic as Power, Audre Lorde, 1978.” Feminism, Violence and Nonviolence: An Anthology, edited by Selina Gallo-Cruz, Edinburgh University Press, 2024, pp. 38–42. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3366/jj.9941300.10. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
4. Kimoto, Tamsin, and Cynthia Willett. “Eros.” 50 Concepts for a Critical Phenomenology, edited by GAIL WEISS et al., Northwestern University Press, 2020, pp. 115–20. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvmx3j22.20. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.