Of Swords and Rings: Genital Representation as Defining Sexual Identity and Sexual Liberation in Some Old French Fabliaux and Lais

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Abstract

This paper explores, in a restricted inventory of lais and fabliaux, what some specific representations of lower body parts teach us about the way medieval people conceptualised their sexuality. In a first step we shall examine chosen metaphors referring to genitalia and how they are related to gender expectations. We shall then see how genitals are taught and learned within the context of first sexual experiences. Finally, we shall ask what place they have in constructing sexual identity and in contributing to a new sensibility of sexual liberation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAt the Interface
Subtitle of host publicationProbing the Boundaries
PublisherBrill Academic Publishers
Pages151-167
Number of pages17
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005

Publication series

NameAt the Interface: Probing the Boundaries
Volume26
ISSN (Print)1570-7113

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2005 Brill. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • feminine orifices
  • gender
  • phallic symbols
  • potency
  • sex
  • sexual identity

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