The sexual sublime : a transformation

Abstract

My thesis focuses on the sublime and sexuality in a 19th century Victorian context. My study revolves around Venus in Furs by Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch, and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. One of the aims of my thesis is to prove that there exists a link between sexuality and the sublime. Also, I attempt to prove that this relationship leads to character development in the novels examined. First, I outline the various sexual tropes present in the novel. Then I outline how such tropes run in parallel with the sublime. Finally, I attempt to show that the relationship between sexuality and the sublime causes the characters to undergo a change. This change—or development—is present in the way characters present a significant alteration in their mentalities, sexual preferences, and actions.