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Sexual Personae

718 pages, 1991

arts & entertainment

arts & entertainment

401 books
philosophy

philosophy

711 books
Takeaways
Description
This language-driven work—where every paragraph is a sentence and every sentence is a speech act—launches a powerful critique of all forms of Western culture, from the classics to Hollywood. It's a work that reconstructs art history in order to dismantle the idea that art mirrors nature and truth—instead, art mirrors human ideas about nature. In the process, it offers a new approach to understanding the nature of male and female, form and chaos, civilization and daemonic nature.
Exploring the Power of Sexual Imagery

Camille Paglia takes us on a journey through the power of sexual imagery in art and literature. She argues that sex is a potent force that has shaped and continues to shape our culture and society. It's a fascinating look into how our sexual identities influence our perceptions and interactions.

Challenging Feminist Ideologies

Paglia challenges traditional feminist ideologies, arguing that they often overlook the complexity of human sexuality. She believes that women's sexual power is not just a product of social constructs, but also of biological and psychological factors. This book will make you rethink your understanding of feminism.

The Influence of Paganism

One of the most interesting parts of Sexual Personae is when Paglia explores the influence of paganism on Western culture. She suggests that our modern attitudes towards sex and gender can be traced back to ancient pagan rituals and beliefs. It's a fascinating look into the roots of our sexual identities.

Art as a Reflection of Sexuality

Paglia sees art as a reflection of our sexual identities. She explores how artists from different eras have used sexual imagery to express their ideas and emotions. This book will make you see art in a whole new light.

The Complexity of Human Sexuality

Sexual Personae is a deep dive into the complexity of human sexuality. Paglia argues that our sexual identities are not just a product of social constructs, but also of biological and psychological factors. This book will make you rethink your understanding of human sexuality.

Quotes 4

Sexual Personae is a work of immense scope and intellectual rigor. It is a brilliant, provocative, and unique contribution to the study of Western culture.

Harold BloomHarold Bloom - Literary critic

Camille Paglia's Sexual Personae is a tour de force. It is a brilliant, illuminating and refreshingly original work.

Susan SontagSusan Sontag - Writer, filmmaker

Sexual Personae is a work of great erudition, wit, and insight. Paglia is a scholar of the first rank and a cultural critic of the highest order.

Christopher HitchensChristopher Hitchens - Author, journalist

Sexual Personae is a groundbreaking work that challenges conventional wisdom and breaks new ground in the study of sexuality and culture.

Gloria SteinemGloria Steinem - Feminist activist
Harold BloomSusan SontagChristopher HitchensGloria Steinem

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