Sexuality in literature - Essay Example

What longings does sexuality attempt to satisfy? Introduction Over and over again individuals are involved in thevivid discussions about sexuality, love, intimate relations. Does sexuality stands on the verge of physical and mental satisfaction? Is it more a physical satisfaction than a moral one? On the basis of different reflections of the issues of sexuality in the literature of different periods, it is evident that the issue of sexuality has always been of crucial importance for the individuals on the Earth. Sexuality is a means for physical needs satisfaction; still it covers much more social needs of an individual, such as social, religious, moral and a desire of success. It is an integrative part of the inner world of every individual and is the first step on the ladder to harmonious existence in the world. Sexuality in Literature In the Bible the “Song of Songs” by King Solomon is the reflection of physical and spiritual harmony between a man and a woman, which can be reached in their intimate relations. A human body is the means of satisfying individual’s inner needs and desires. In the “Song of Songs” sex reflects a common joy and union between the partners. Two beloved persons enjoy each other and they feel free and harmonious in their close intimate relations. Passion towards each other is a perfect way to promote union and spirituality in the relations. There is a need to refer to religion in case a couple wants their relations to be happy: “what one does with one's sexuality is of concern to God (Exod 20:14 THIS IS FROM THE bIBLE). A woman belongs to her man and the man belongs to the woman. Sexuality satisfies the need for unity with the most beloved person on the Earth. In the “Song of Songs” a man has a right to enjoy the body of his wife and here he satisfies not only his physical needs, but also genetic intentions of a conqueror and a possessor. Moreover, sexuality establishes reliable social bounds in the society and it is the way to confirm faith in One God through love to a one spouse. In the Chinese erotic poems there is no such an evident social, spiritual or religious impact exerted by sexuality on the lives of individuals. There are more physical needs, which can be satisfied in sexual relations. Sexuality is correlated with the necessity to have a sexual partner for a physical joy. For example, in the poem “The Riverbank” it is evident that when a girl meets her man, she does not want to let him go. She describes her inner physical desire of a sexual relation with him: My royal chamber is on fire. I know it is burning In another Chinese poem “Creamy Breasts” the author describes female breasts and they are shown like a man’s toy to play. There is a vivid imagery about an inner excitement of a woman: …magic flowers thicken into purple grapes… which means a readiness for sexual relation and natural processes of a female body, when it is excited. Therefore, Chinese erotic poems reflect sexuality as a direct and logical means to satisfy physical needs of an individual. Therefore, sexuality is positioned as a road to inner pleasure and joy of sexual relations. In the legendary story about Anthony and Cleopatra, sexuality is associated with the female experience in sex. Shakespeare wrote the play “Anthony and Cleopatra” and he underlined that Cleopatra had a reputation of a sexually-experienced woman. In such a way she led her men into temptation to try her forbidden fruit. Anthony says about Cleopatra’s experiences: …what hotter hours, Unregistered in vulgar fame, you have Luxuriously picked out (Shakespeare, Anthony and Cleopatra, lines 118-122). He does not disdain her; he just admires her sexual experience and wants to make his own “contribution” to its development. In the Early Medieval England a woman was considered as a daughter, a wife and if she became a widow, she was looking for a replacement of her dead husband. Cleopatra had a lot of sexual partners, but Shakespeare reflected her to be in the searching for her another sexual satisfaction. There are deep reflections of sexuality in this play. Anthony cannot choose between honor and love and Cleopatra wants to seduce him even more. Thus, sexuality is the middle level between sexuality and honor. Sexuality is a more global concern, a means to reach honor and power. Moreover, a female sexuality is adored by Shakespeare and he appraises it and uplifts it to God: Other women cloy The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry Where she most satisfies; for the vilest things Become themselves in her, that the holy priests Bless her when she is riggish (Shakespeare, Anthony and Cleopatra, lines 245-250).  There is a kind of religious background and social reflections in the issue of sexuality. It is not for physical needs only. Neither Anthony nor Cleopatra saw sexuality as the only thing they needed. For Anthony it was a means to reach spiritual and physical satisfaction and for Cleopatra it was the means to reach physical and selfish satisfaction. This play reflects a clear appraisal of a female sexuality. It is shown as the way to success, power and honor. Men feel happy if they have an opportunity to satisfy desires of a constantly sexually charged woman. In this play sexuality is the mystery, a secret and a rich world of temptations. Conclusion Sexuality is a road to pleasure, both physical and moral satisfaction. In different periods of time sexuality satisfied different human longings: social, religious, physical and moral ones. In the modern context sexuality is often considered as a separate entity of an individual. Sexuality serves in the name of sexuality nowadays. There is an evident dominance of sexuality in the modern popular culture. To be sexy means to be successful. Unfortunately, there is no a firm background against sexuality and very often it is focused on physical longings of individuals. It is better to look beyond the evident sexuality and see that currently it is for satisfaction of physical needs, social aspirations and success. People want money as much as they want to satisfy their physical needs. Thus, sexuality can be seen as a hidden form of a selfish need for success. Works cited Barnstone, Tony (ed.). Chinese Erotic Poems. 2007. Shakespeare, William. Anthony and Cleopatra. Web. Retrieved March 20, 2012 from: http://shakespeare.mit.edu/cleopatra/full.html Read More