Sexing the text
Book Description
In the early eighteenth century, a profound shift occurred in how society understood and expressed human sexuality. Todd C. Parker's scholarly exploration reveals how a singular form of heterosexual discourse gradually emerged to dominate cultural conversations, ultimately overshadowing the rich diversity of sexual and bodily expressions that had existed before.
This academic investigation combines established research methods with contemporary queer-theoretical insights to trace the development of what we now recognize as compulsory heterosexuality. Parker challenges prevailing feminist interpretations of masculinity and male identity during this transformative historical period, offering fresh perspectives on how gender roles crystallized in literature and society.
The author examines a fascinating array of eighteenth-century texts to support his analysis. These range from the morally charged pamphlet "Onania; or the Heinous Sin of Self-Pollution" to Jonathan Swift's biting political commentaries targeting William Wood and Richard Tighe. Parker also analyzes Alexander Pope's character studies "To Cobham" and "To a Lady," Eliza Haywood's romantic narrative "Philidore and Placentia," and John Cleland's controversial "Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure."
Through careful textual analysis, this work illuminates how literary and cultural forces shaped modern understandings of sexuality, gender, and identity. Readers interested in the historical development of sexual discourse and its lasting impact on contemporary society will find valuable insights within these pages.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 218 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore English literature
- ✓ Explore English language
- ✓ Explore Gender Identity
- ✓ Explore Sex role in literature
- ✓ Explore Literature
- ✓ Explore Body, Human, in literature
- ✓ Explore Sex differences in literature
