The Erotic Motive in Literature

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

56779

Title

The Erotic Motive in Literature

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Albert Mordell explores the psychoanalytic roots of literary creation, arguing that masterpieces often emerge from an author's unconscious desires and repressed emotions. This text examines how frustration in love and life drives writers to build idealized fantasies, transforming personal neurosis into enduring art that resonates with universal human struggles.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Erotic Motive in Literature*, Albert Mordell pioneers the application of psychoanalytic theory to literary criticism, arguing that great writing is frequently the sublimation of an author's unconscious conflicts and unfulfilled wishes. Mordell posits that while specific incidents may trigger the writing of a book, the work itself shapes itself unconsciously long before publication. He illustrates this with detailed case studies of literary geniuses like Robert Louis Stevenson, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. For instance, Stevenson's *Treasure Island* emerged not merely from a map but from years of unconscious daydreaming about being a treasure hunter. Similarly, Rousseau's *Nouvelle Heloise* and Goethe's *The Sorrows of Werther* were born from their personal frustrations in love; they created idealized fantasies to compensate for their inability to satisfy real desires. Mordell defines genius not simply as talent, but as the ability to articulate profound truths about repression and desire that society often ignores. The text explores the tension between idealism and realism, explaining why readers are drawn to romances and supernatural tales as fulfillments of primitive instincts and childhood wishes. Mordell delves into ancient themes, such as the 'Atreus legend' and historical cannibalism, to demonstrate how deep-seated unconscious fears manifest in modern literature. He argues that fairy tales and myths represent the fulfilled wishes of early humanity, allowing adults to revisit a primitive state where unconscious needs are met. The book concludes by advocating for biographical criticism, asserting that understanding an author's private life and emotional history is essential for fully appreciating their work. Mordell maintains that while art is a reality in itself, it offers a privileged form of life that allows readers to experience beauty and grief vicariously, effectively curing the artist and consoling the audience alike.

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Categories

• Psychology
• Romance
• Essays