Exquisite Masochism

Exploring the interplay of sexuality and literary form, this book examines how nineteenth and early twentieth-century realist novelists used metaphors to subtly hint at sexual themes while steering clear of explicit content. Claire Jarvis highlights the innovative techniques of Victorian writers who transcended traditional boundaries, crafting scenes that hinted at erotic desire, impropriety, and danger. Through this lens, the work delves into the complexities of companionate marriage and the nuanced portrayal of desire in literature.