The Sculptural Body in Victorian Literature: Encrypted Sexualities

In Victorian literature, desires that cannot be openly acknowledged are often buried and encrypted in the marble bodies of statues, which offer safe spaces for the recovery of forbidden love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

In the captivating realm of Victorian literature, a profound exploration unfolds, revealing the intricate ways in which desires that dare not be openly expressed find their hidden abode within the majestic marble bodies of statues. As Mary Pulham delves into the pervasive presence of sculpture in Victorian galleries and museums, she observes a curious phenomenon: while touch is strictly prohibited in these cultural sanctuaries, Victorian texts provide a sanctuary of sorts, offering safe spaces where statues can be kissed or caressed through metaphors of tactility that dance at the intersections of touch and vision. These evocative metaphors unlock the doors to forbidden love, allowing it to be reclaimed and celebrated in the pages of Victorian literature.

Within the galleries and museums of the Victorian era, the sculpture took on a mesmerizing presence, gracing every corner and hallowed space. It seemed as if the marble bodies of these statues held a secret power, a silent invitation to explore the depths of human desire. As Pulham delves deeper into the realm of sculpture, she discovers a fascinating interplay between touch and vision. In these cultural sanctuaries, where physical contact was strictly forbidden, Victorian texts offered a safe haven where the boundaries of love could be pushed and transgressed.

Through the clever use of metaphors and sensory imagery, Victorian writers crafted a world where statues could be kissed and caressed, their marble surfaces becoming the canvas for forbidden love. Metaphors of tactility, such as the softness of a statue's skin or the weight of its gaze, evoked a sense of intimacy and desire that transcended the physical realm. It was as if the statues themselves became vessels for the expression of unspoken emotions, offering a safe space for the exploration of taboo desires.

In this literary tapestry, the statues became symbols of the unbridled passion and longing that resided within the hearts of the Victorian characters. They stood as silent witnesses to the secret desires of the protagonists, their marble bodies offering a sanctuary where love could flourish and be reclaimed. Through the metaphors of tactility, Victorian literature breathed life into the statues, imbuing them with a sense of humanity and emotion that transcended the limitations of their physical form.

As Pulham explores the ubiquity of sculpture in Victorian galleries and museums, she uncovers a rich tapestry of artistic expression and cultural significance. The sculptures became not just objects of beauty but vessels for the exploration of the human condition, offering a glimpse into the depths of desire, passion, and the complexities of love. In this era of strict social conventions and moral boundaries, Victorian literature provided a safe space where the forbidden could be embraced and celebrated, allowing the characters to transcend the limitations imposed by society and embrace the fullness of their human experience.

In conclusion, the book by Mary Pulham explores the profound connection between sculpture and Victorian literature, revealing the ways in which desires that dare not be openly acknowledged find their hidden abode within the majestic marble bodies of statues. Through metaphors of tactility and sensory imagery, Victorian texts offer safe spaces where statues can be kissed or caressed, unlocking the doors to forbidden love and celebrating the complexities of the human condition. The sculptures, in turn, become symbols of the unbridled passion and longing that resided within the hearts of the Victorian characters, offering a glimpse into the depths of desire and the power of literature to transcend societal boundaries.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399504591