Title: Writing the Orgy
Description: Argues that Sade's orgy scenes represent not only the subversion but the re-creation of a social order and hierarchy under a phallic, unifying economy. Discusses his use of the erotic body as both represented and representing through the ritualistic scenario of the orgy scene, and addresses the intricate relation between the erotic and the textual body.
Subjects: French literature, history and criticism, 19th century
People: Sade marquis de (1740-1814)