Lesson 1: What is Erotica?
In this lesson we will look at the difference between pornography and erotica, explore how word choices create sensual, erotic images in the mind of the reader, and examine what terminology should be used to name or describe body parts and sexual acts. In addition, resources will be provided that will help the novice, or make the pro think.
Erotica vs. Pornography
What is erotica? What is the difference between erotica and pornography? These are a couple of the questions that will be answered in this section of our lesson. In addition, we will look at word choices that could best convey the sensual, sexual scene you have in mind.
Erotica may be thought of as a literary or pictorial portrayal that arouses or sexually stimulates using soft, sensual imagery. Examples of erotica may include the material found in Playgirl’s “Reader’s Forum”, classic novels like Jong’s Fear of Flying, D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterly’s Lover, or contemporary stories like those written by Caleb Knight, RJ Masters, or Lonnie Barbach.
Erotica is stimulating fiction that is often included with equally-stimulating pictures. Erotica includes foreplay, intimacy, and a mutually-satisfying experience. It serves to gradually arouse the reader, giving the reader the sensation of almost “being there”.
Pornography, on the other hand, is considered to be far more “hard core”, more of the “wham-bam thank you ma’am” scenario. Pornographic material is more controversial, more likely to be sold in specialty adult bookstores, or in sealed plastic at the newsstand.
The primary difference between erotica and real pornography is that pornography has little or no socially redeeming characteristics and is intended to arouse the prurient interests of its readers. Pornography is generally less art and more degrading.
The following is an example of erotica published in Playgirl’s “Readers’ Fantasy Forum”:
“I had never seen identical twins up close and it was an amazing sight, to watch them locked in such a fierce competition. Their biceps bulged and their trunk-like thighs were interwined in their struggle to beat one another. I couldn’t take my eyes off them, these two examples of masculine perfection, wrestling closer and closer to where I sat. My breathing grew heavy as their animal-like display of aggression and maleness fueled my desire, drawing me into their primitive ritual. I wanted them, needed their untamed energy and excitement, and I knew I couldn’t leave the park that afternoon without having them.”
Pornography would not bother with the descriptions, the sensual image that is created for the reader in the above paragraph. Using the above example, a pornographic story would start with the two men approaching the woman and the initiation of the sex scene. Her perceptions, sensibilities, would not be included.
Keep in mind, however, that people’s perception of what is erotic and what is pornographic is relatively subjective and very political. Approach any discussions of pornography and censorship with an open mind. Be willing to listen to the views of others, even though you may not agree with them. In fact, erotica versus pornography would probably be a good topic for discussion, at this point in this course.
YOUR TURN,
Your assignment is not difficult. Go to your local library or bookstore and locate some erotic material to study (yes, I said STUDY). If you are not a reader of erotica, are not familiar with the established authors in this genre, it will be difficult for you to write material that is publishable. I suggest that you begin with something soft core, like Playgirl, if you are not already a reader of erotica, then advance to more hard core material. Take some notes on the various authors, their style, word choice, and whether each is hard core or soft core.
