| dc.description.abstract | The introductory section of the thesis puts forward a view of the usefulness of the concept
of masochism in studying literature, arguing that the tendency has been inadequately
formulated by psychoanalytic theory. It refers to debates within gay studies, feminism,
psychoanalysis and literary studies to contextualise the argument of the thesis. The first
chapter analyses Freud's key essay on masochism, 'The Economic Problem of
Masochism' (1924) and appraises other theoretical contributions which have discussed the
relation of masochism to artistic creativity. It goes on to critique the feminist view of
women's masochism as reflecting patriarchal relations, and examines Jungian perspectives
which focus on the notion of an imitatio Christi. Chapter two contrasts a Christian view
of suffering with that of psychoanalysis. It examines Simone Weil's life and ideas in the
light of a sublimatory or moral masochism, and looks at the 'agonic' thought of Unamuno.
The historical moment at which the term masochism was coined is the focus of the
opening part of chapter three. Sacher-Masoch's novel Venus in Furs is analysed, referring
to Deleuze's commentary which emphasises the death instinct. Sacher-Masoch's
untranslated novel, Die Seelenfängerin, is also discussed. Chapter four deals with Michel
Leiris's L'age d'homme, analysing the central themes of masculinity, the risk inherent in
literary creativity and the sacred element in masochistic self-exposures. The final chapter
on works by Marguerite Duras examines a novella, L'homme assis dans le couloir,
describing the process of reading as a form of masochistic introjection. It then looks at La
douleur to focus on a masochistic, feminine rite of passage. A discussion of La maladie
de la mort locates a shattered solitude within masochistic desire. The thesis concludes by
proposing a more nuanced dialogue between psychoanalysis and literature, by
emphasising the importance of an exploratory women's writing, and suggesting the need
for a more consciously masochistic body politic. | en_US |
