Classic Erotic Literature Club Unrecognized

Mission Statement
The Classic Erotic Literature Club shall be a safe haven for the spirited discussion of historical works of sensual and erotic literature, acknowledging without necessarily emphasizing problematic elements therein. We shall consider these works in their artistic and historical contexts, encouraging open-mindedness and recognizing the validity of multiple points of view. In addition to biweekly discussions, we shall also host a thematic poetry reading each semester, open to the entire campus. Texts for discussion shall be decided upon as a group, tending toward shorter works and focusing on pre-twentieth century texts.

A Sampling of Works
The inspiration for the theme of our little literary society is this magnificent 17th century work by Metaphysical poet John Donne:

Elegy 19. To His Mistress Going to Bed
Come, Madam, come, all rest my powers defy; Until I labour, I in labour lie. The foe ofttimes, having the foe in sight, Is tired with standing, though he never fight. Off with that girdle, like heaven's zone glittering, But a far fairer world encompassing. Unpin that spangled breast-plate, which you wear, That th' eyes of busy fools may be stopp'd there. Unlace yourself, for that harmonious chime Tells me from you that now it is bed-time. Off with that happy busk, which I envy, That still can be, and still can stand so nigh. Your gown going off such beauteous state reveals, As when from flowery meads th' hill's shadow steals. Off with your wiry coronet, and show The hairy diadems which on you do grow. Off with your hose and shoes; then softly tread In this love's hallow'd temple, this soft bed. In such white robes heaven's angels used to be Revealed to men ; thou, angel, bring'st with thee A heaven-like Mahomet's paradise; and though Ill spirits walk in white, we easily know By this these angels from an evil sprite; Those set our hairs, but these our flesh upright. License my roving hands, and let them go Before, behind, between, above, below. O, my America, my Newfoundland, My kingdom, safest when with one man mann'd, My mine of precious stones, my empery; How am I blest in thus discovering thee! To enter in these bonds, is to be free; Then, where my hand is set, my soul shall be. Full nakedness! All joys are due to thee; As souls unbodied, bodies unclothed must be To taste whole joys. Gems which you women use Are like Atalanta's ball cast in men's views; That, when a fool's eye lighteth on a gem, His earthly soul might court that, not them. Like pictures, or like books' gay coverings made For laymen, are all women thus array'd. Themselves are only mystic books, which we —Whom their imputed grace will dignify— Must see reveal'd. Then, since that I may know, As liberally as to thy midwife show Thyself ; cast all, yea, this white linen hence; There is no penance, much less innocence:     To teach thee, I am naked first; why then, What needst thou have more covering than a man?

= Discussion Meetings =

Fall 2010
Planning Meeting: Sunday 9/19, 4:00pm in FPH 106. We'll talk about plans for the semester, what we want to read, when we want to have regular meetings, and what events we want to have. We might do a poetry reading event later in the semester. If you're interested in this group, you should come to the planning meeting and share your input!

 

John Donne discussion: Sunday, 10/3, 3:00pm in FPH 106. We will discuss the poetry of John Donne; specifically "The Flea" and "Elegy 19. To His Mistress Going to Bed." Both poems are available in the public domain. Join us for snacks and discussion!

= Events =

Poetry Reading TBA

= Signers =

Ava Luther

Lyndie Wood