Quote:
Originally Posted by Connavar of Rigante  Im actually glad sex is more subtle in Tolkien's world.
I have been disgusted too many times in modern epic fantasy when the writer feels the need to put in sex as a gimmick to sell and to have realism. Specially all these rape scenes is too much for cause its not needed. Specially in some books when there is an underaged girl involved. If its not rape there must be sex scene in every chapter.
I prefer it when sex isn't "in your face" all the time. |
I'd tend to agree with that, Connavar. I think we've gone too far the other direction; to where sex is included as gratuitously as violence (and usually the two combined -- much like the "spicy" pulps, which were the lowest form of the order), rather than because the story honestly calls for it. I've no problem with an honest -- even graphic -- depiction of sex if it seems germane to what the author is saying (for example, one of my personal favorites of Moorcock's work is
The Brothel in Rosenstrasse, which is very graphic in its depiction... but he also has sex -- like so much else in his work -- have a symbolic, metaphoric function as well, so that it enhances the points he makes very well); but sex just to "liven things up" is frequently as dull to me as pornography. A subtler form of sexuality -- like a subtler use of language or foreshadowing or hinting of an alienness to things rather than a bald statement -- is not only very refreshing, but actually both requires and rewards more imagination from both writer and reader....