<!-- 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 -->
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img/></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Erotic literature has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to ancient times. </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. </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  1662 was promulgated partly to censor erotic contents and partly to curb blasphemous contents against the church. </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>. </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. </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. Some individuals may find the genre empowering, intellectually stimulating, or emotionally resonant. For others, it may not align with their personal preferences or literary interests. </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 </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 -->