Provocative Prose

Provocative Prose

Romance novels are one of the most abundant in the literary world and let’s face it; the authors of these novels must have a good grasp of the English language to tell a good romance without constantly clinging to clichés. But these entanglements are not solely relegated to the romantic genre; most novels have at least some form of relationship in them. Whether it is of the eros or agape is up to the author, but they do appear in most novels. They give a human dimension to an otherwise genre specific tale.

But how far do we go to include the human emotion? Do we only show that to characters show an attraction? Do they go on a date? Does one propose to the other? Or do we get far more provocative than that? It is allowed to have a little eroticism to interest the reader no matter what the genre. But how far is too far?

I have read historical comedies by P.G. Wodehouse where the height of romanticism was where an old woman doted upon her pet poodle, and thrillers by James Herbert Where a couple have all their kit off and the author describes the reproductive systems in detail. I enjoyed both, but were both necessary? What do you think, was James Herbert pandering to his audience using smut, or was he giving the same attention to detail to eroticism as to his gore? Therefore pushing the story along without a break in narrative? But P.G. Wodehouse doesn’t mention sex at all, or at least very little. Is this a deliberate attempt to de-sexualize the characters, and keep the mindless drunk playboy image a silly and innocent one?

Then we have all heard of, if not read ‘50 Shades of Grey’. Which I believe is read by women for the sexual thrill, and by men for the sexual tips. But what do you think? Read, follow, comment and enjoy. M x