Mutuality in the love episode depends solely on the husband’s ability to
control the situation. There is no real mutuality in a relation where
the wife is merely a dispenser of physical delights to a husband that
neither knows nor cares what he himself contributes to the situation, who
immerses himself totally in his own sensations. He is deaf, blind and
otherwise anesthetic to what he himself can accomplish in the line of
studied and foreplanned effects of his own, self-initiated (not merely
instinctive and automatic reflex) actions upon his wife. True, there
are many women who expect no more of a man than just this automatic
autoerotism. But, sooner or later, even though unconsciously, they
perceive a lack of “some amorous rite or other” and their own passion
cools, if it has had any warmth. There is no mutuality here.
§ 22
Mutuality does not exist where the wife has no alternative other than
the autoerotic reaction of the husband. But in spite of an unchanging
autoerotic disposition of the wife, mutuality may be absolutely secured
by the instructed husband. As indicated below, the average honeymoon
should see the beginning of the end of mental autoerotic reactions on the
part of the groom.
Even the groom that has had previous sex experience is in his early
marriage in an erotic situation which is essentially new to him—a
situation that contains elements the like of which he never could have
experienced before. The inevitable novelty of these new elements is a
condition, on his part, of perceiving all new sensations, practically of
having unprecedented things done to him.
The things done to him are more numerous and newer than anything in
all his previous experience. In this sense, then, he is by force of
circumstances placed upon an autoerotic level, from which it is his
imperative duty to ascend in order that by his control of his own erotic
reactions he may control those of his wife. No apology is needed for an
initial autoerotic response on the newly wedded husband’s part.
It might be said that in the situation of bride and groom each having
things done to them by the other, rather than positively doing things to
each other, there might be a situation of perfect mutuality. But if it
is, it never remains any longer than the duration of a honeymoon, for
the essential femininity of the woman demands that in the erotic sphere
alone, she be led, and with no uncertain guidance.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account