<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong><em>Erotic literature has provoked a debate which might interest you to join in: is erotic literature considered a legitimate form of literature?</em></strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:image {"id":414,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://thesensualreview.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/1CFA8F90-DACB-490C-BE8C-EF237B2E5B10.webp" alt="Is Erotic literature considered a legitimate form of literature?" class="wp-image-414"/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to ancient times.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The genre has evolved alongside human culture and expression from the erotic poems of Sappho in ancient Greece to the writings of Boccaccio in the 14th century.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>However, let's trace the persecution of erotic literature in the past to its movement to legitimacy in the present.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2>Legitimizing Erotic Literature in the UK</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The persecution of<a href="http://thesensualreview.com.ng/2023/06/05/what-is-erotic-literature/?i=1"> erotic literature</a> began long ago. In Medieval England, the Licensing Act of&nbsp; 1662 was promulgated partly to censor erotic contents and partly to curb blasphemous contents against the church.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Generally regarded as “obscene libel”, there was no clear <a href="http://thesensualreview.com.ng/2023/06/05/how-does-erotic-literature-differ-from-pornography/?i=1">distinction between porn</a> and seditious or heretical contents and so the Licensing Act was limited in that respect.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>However, the first case of conviction for obscenity was the case of Edmund Curl.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>He was fined for the publication of <em>Venus in the Cloister or The Nun in Her Smock&nbsp; </em>and <em>The Memoirs of John Ker </em>which according to the law disturbed the king’s peace, and mostly offended authorities.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>However, the Obscene Publication Act of 1875 declared erotic contents a statutory offense.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>In addition, the verdict passed by Lord Campbell against the sales of pornography and erotic contents contributed richly to the Act.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It contributed richly because Lord Campbell considered erotica to be worse than the sales of any type of poison which was also a problem at the time. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>But the purpose of his verdict was to protect the minds of innocent yet curious readers.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Nevertheless, Sir Alexander Cockburn who took over from Campbell as Lord Chief Judge held an appeal that changed the course of the law.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Cockburn's new perspective considered readers who were already corrupt and had lost their innocence. Such readers appeared to be the main consumers the <a href="https://thesensualreview.com.ng/2023/06/15/expressions-of-erotic-longing-sex-poem/">obscene materials</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Therefore, the new definition of obscene books began to spring. It paved way for the establishment of erotic literature in the UK.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2>Legitimizing Erotic Literature in the USA</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The New York Society for the Suppression of Vices established by Anthony Comstock, a staunch anti-obscenity crusader, facilitated the persecution of erotic literature in the USA.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>In fact, an act was promulgated and named after Comstock as “Comstock Act”.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The act prohibited sending obscene or lewd materials via mail and this prohibition was approved in almost twenty-four states in the USA.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2>Is erotic literature considered a legitimate form of literature?</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Remarkably, with the writings of Zola, James Joyce and D. H. Lawrence, erotic literature began gaining legitimacy.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>So, yes, indeed, erotic literature is a legitimate form of literature. Why won’t it be with all its features and capabilities?</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature is considered a legitimate form of literature because it:</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3>Explores Human Sexuality</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature plays a significant role in exploring and representing the multifaceted aspects of <a href="https://thesensualreview.com.ng/2023/06/15/can-sexual-positions-affect-fertility-or-conception/">human sexuality</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Through vivid narratives, the genre treats themes such as desire, passion, love, and power dynamics.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It challenges societal norms, sparks conversations, and provides a platform for marginalized voices in mainstream literature.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3>Artistic Merit and Literary Craft&nbsp;</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature, like any other form of literature, encompasses a wide spectrum of artistic merit.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>At its best, it employs skillful writing techniques, compelling storytelling, and nuanced character development.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Exceptional works of erotic literature can evoke a range of emotions, stimulate the imagination, and offer profound insights into the human condition.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erotic_literature" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Notable authors </a>such as Anaïs Nin, D.H. Lawrence, and Jeanette Winterson have made significant stylistic contributions to the genre, showcasing its literary potential.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3>Upholds Subjectivity and Personal Taste</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Appreciation of erotic literature is subjective and varies from reader to reader.&nbsp;Some individuals may find the genre empowering, intellectually stimulating, or emotionally resonant.&nbsp;For others, it may not align with their personal preferences or literary interests.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It acknowledges that one's interpretation of a particular work of erotic literature may differ from someone else's. Such differences emphasize the <a href="https://theartbay.com/reasons-why-art-is-more-important-than-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">subjectivity of art</a> and the importance of individual perspectives.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3>Enhances Cultural Significance and Social Discourse&nbsp;</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature challenges <a href="https://thesensualreview.com.ng/2023/06/07/a-guide-on-how-to-fuck-like-a-pro/">societal taboos</a> and foster dialogue by using literary techniques. Hence, it can address issues of consent, power dynamics, gender roles, and sexual identity.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>By addressing such issues, it promotes critical conversations on sex. These conversations help in a greater understanding and acceptance of what may be considered taboos.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} -->
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature undeniably holds a legitimate place within the broader realm of literature. Its legitimacy as a literary genre ultimately rests on its ability to engage readers and provoke thoughts.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>It also offers unique insights into the intricacies of desire and intimacy. However, even up to this day, erotic literature is still facing persecution.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p> Regardless,  it is also benefiting from the growing consciousness and curiosity of the human mind.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>TRS.</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->