Who’s Afraid of the Pornographic Novel? — The Pornographic Novel as a Battleground for Feminist Criticism

Abstract

This article investigates pornographic novels as a contested space within feminist and literary criticism. Based on discussions by Susan Sontag, who proposed recognizing the artistic value of pornography, we explore how this literary genre remains marginalized, often analyzed from psychological and social perspectives. In the realm of feminist criticism, pornography causes divisions. Antipornography feminists argue that pornography reinforces male oppression and the objectification of women, while other theorists question the definitions that distinguish pornography from erotica, highlighting the complexity of this categorization. Our discussion reflects the duality present in feminist criticism, which both condemns pornography for its implications of gender violence and acknowledges its potential to express the multiple facets of female sexuality. Additionally, we discuss how pornographic novels challenge literary and cultural conventions, reflecting social tensions surrounding sexuality and gender. Ultimately, we advocate for a more nuanced and open analysis of this literature, suggesting that it can serve as a legitimate field for critical and academic inquiry.