"Venus in Furs"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how "Venus in Furs" theatrically transgresses conventions of nature, gender and sexuality and how this transgression is nonetheless marked by limits. It is description of a male protagonist who is so captivated by a woman that he desires to live as her slave. It looks at how it offers forms of transgression and a fantasy of dis-empowerment available only to the empowered Western elite male subject.

From the Paper:

"Severin experiences pleasure by having pain inflicted on him in sexual circumstances. Traditionally, it is the woman who feels pain during sexual intercourse. This has been reversed in Sacher Masoch's novel; however it seems unrealistic as it can easily be reversed back to the original state. Wanda is continually referenced as a woman with miniature hands and feet, and a very tiny waist. She could easily be overpowered by a man if he so chose - the masochist male fantasy in Venus In Furs appears as just that - a fantasy - since it can so easily be overturned. The empowered male is only acting submissive - in truth he is much stronger than the woman and can take control physically at any time."

More papers on "Venus in Furs":

• Book Review # 53175 : "Venus in Furs"
• Essay # 55240 : "Venus in Art"
• Analytical Essay # 118042 : "The Use of Masks in "Fur Elise"

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