Erotica or porn?
A thin line of demarcation makes a huge difference in the perception or reception of erotica. Porn or erotica might appear to serve the same purpose, but both of them are way different. The distinctions that are obvious sometimes seem ambiguous or ambivalent.
This writing piece discusses the genre of erotica, analyzing the story of hide and seek played with desires—a series in six parts: A Widow and a Bachelor.
Porn is an obvious genre of plain sex with the sprinkling of some alluring fantasies. It straightforwardly targets arousal and jerking. Several viewpoints uphold porn as a vice for society, and some others theorize the advantages as well as disadvantages of this genre. So, it will be a wise move to skip discussing porn; instead, elaborating genre of erotica through analyzing the story would be conducive to the discussion. Let’s jump to erotica.
To me, erotica focuses more on plots and characterization in comparison to porn. Erotica narrativizes an array of sexual behaviors, situations, issues, fantasies and much more than just displaying naked bodies entangled in somewhat monotonous lovemaking. In a way, good erotica weaves a good story set in a sensuous backdrop.
For me, erotica must have:
- Plot
- Characterization
- The portrayal of sexual behaviors, situations, fantasies or some sex-related issues
I would discuss all the bullet points with reference to the story—A Widow and a Bachelor. You can read it first to have a better understanding of my arguments.
Or
You can directly read my arguments listed below.
I leave it up to your fine, decisive senses.
Plot: I would make distinction between a ‘well-written’ plot and mere sexual situations, like role-play, lonely wife, cheating husband, doctor and patient, etc. A plot must contain a human story. Story that displays the rise and fall of tension. AW&AB (A Widow and a Bachelor) might not contain a ‘well-written’ plot; however, it has a plot, and that is enough to elaborate on my argument. It contains the game of hide-and-seek of desires played by a bachelor and a widow. They go through emotional turmoil while coping with a ‘to-be-or-not-to-be’ kind of mental state. Having befriended Nisha for a short period of time, Ravi initiates sexual advancement, which goes wrong in the beginning. After realizing Ravi’s genuine emotions, Nisha surrenders to lovemaking. Both of them are prisoners of the past. Their past is the reason for all the hesitations.
Characterization: By characterization, I do not mean mere physical displays of fair and sexual limbs. The description of physical attributes is important, and more important is the narration of inner commotions. AW&AB describes Nisha as a slim and curvy woman with a chubby and attractive face. Moreover, it goes on exploring the inner turmoil, commotions and thought processes that she faces. The same goes with Ravi.
The portrayal of sexual behaviors, situations, fantasies or some sex-related issues: it is part of the plot. The plot should contain the aforementioned threads. Ravi is going through the issue of early ejaculations. Nisha feels a kind of aversion to sexual acts. Ravi fantasizes about Nisha in several sensuous situations. Mere forced sex might be a good option in porn. Here, in this story, forced sex reveals Nisha’s toxic marriage life. The story narrates oral sex in two different situations: in one, Nisha exerts all her disgust for it, and in another, she feels sensuality.
To sum up, these are a few points that I consider when drafting a good erotica. I would appreciate your contribution in the comment section. You can leave your thoughts in the comment or create a separate post on this topic; do not forget to mention me in your post. Let’s discuss.
Author’s note: I would appreciate engagement with my post. By engagement, I definitely mean reading and clapping. But I would clarify that my intention is to discuss, and that’s what I mean by ‘engagement’. I hope for some wonderful engagements from you guys. Love you all, my readers.
