The curse of the Marquis de Sade has long fascinated and haunted both scholars and general readers alike. The Marquis de Sade, born Donatien Alphonse François de Sade in 1740, was a French nobleman, revolutionary politician, and infamous writer. He is perhaps best known for his works of erotic literature, which were highly controversial and often depicted acts of extreme cruelty and sadism. The curse of the Marquis de Sade refers to the notion that Sade's life and works were cursed, leading to a series of misfortunes and tragedies. Many believe that Sade's own personal experiences with violence and sexual deviancy were reflected in his writings and ultimately brought about his downfall. From a young age, Sade exhibited a fascination with sexual pleasure and power, engaging in numerous acts of promiscuity and debauchery.
If laying off chocolate for the whole of Lent seems too much of a long-term commitment, a quick solstice sacrifice may be the alternative for you. Many historians agree that Stonehenge was used for ritual sacrifices on occasions such as solstices. Sadly, in Neolithic times, the sacrifices were probably human.
Midsommar, for example, is more than just a cult horror movie, it was a national holiday marking the solstice in Norway up until 1771 and is still celebrated in Sweden and Finland today. Nowadays it s common to wake to greet the sunrise on the solstice, but for ancient Pagans it would ve been an all-night affair, celebrating the sun and welcoming its rise.
From a young age, Sade exhibited a fascination with sexual pleasure and power, engaging in numerous acts of promiscuity and debauchery. Sade's literary works, which include novels such as "Justine" and "The 120 Days of Sodom," were met with widespread condemnation and resulted in his imprisonment. Sade spent a significant portion of his life in various prisons and asylums, where he continued to write and engage in sexual experimentation.
Party like a Pagan: 5 ways to celebrate the summer solstice
With all the celebration and neolithic celestial alignment that goes on at Stonehenge, there’s no denying that the summer solstice is perhaps the oldest excuse to throw a party going. From solitary witches to groves of druids, most Pagan faiths have honoured the solstice with rituals, feasts, and just a hint of debauchery across Europe for thousands of years.
Midsommar, for example, is more than just a cult horror movie, it was a national holiday marking the solstice in Norway up until 1771 and is still celebrated in Sweden and Finland today.
So if you're ready to hack it with heathens, slay like a solitary, or dance until dawn with druids, here are five historic ways to party like a Pagan.
Read more about: Popular Culture
Weird and wonderful traditions to welcome the summer
1. Pull an all-nighter
The shortest night of the year was as much to be celebrated as the longest day, making the eve of the solstice the pre-drinks of this pagan party. Nowadays it’s common to wake to greet the sunrise on the solstice, but for ancient Pagans it would’ve been an all-night affair, celebrating the sun and welcoming its rise.
It has also long been heralded as a powerful time for protective charms and divination. So much so that on no other night could a bowl of water and some pieces of paper tell you your true love's initials, or could bunches of dandelions bless your house with more than damp bedsheets.
Plague, carbuncles, or ‘the quartan ague’ got you down? According to one archaic West Country charm, some coal dug from beneath the root of mugwort or plantain on the eve of the solstice has got you covered!
Read more about: Ancient History
7 ancient facts about British midsummer traditions
2. Make a sacrifice
If laying off chocolate for the whole of Lent seems too much of a long-term commitment, a quick solstice sacrifice may be the alternative for you. Many historians agree that Stonehenge was used for ritual sacrifices on occasions such as solstices. Sadly, in Neolithic times, the sacrifices were probably human.
Inside the Stonehenge Circle of Stones | Image: Shutterstock.com
Fortunately, we moved on from there with Celtic and Germanic folks usually opting for a good sturdy wild boar as their sacrifice to appease the deities. Whether human, hunted, or livestock, throughout history sacrifices were generally the best people could afford. Ahead of the rituals they were well looked after, then respectfully killed and prepared for the feast in an attempt to ensure an abundant harvest.
Despite numerous attempts to suppress his works, Sade's writing gained popularity and notoriety, becoming a subject of fascination for many. The curse of the Marquis de Sade is often seen as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked desires and the pursuit of extreme pleasure. Sade's life and works serve as a reminder that there can be severe consequences for indulging in violent and sadistic fantasies. Many believe that the curse of the Marquis de Sade continues to haunt those who study his life and works, with some scholars claiming to have experienced strange occurrences or misfortunes after delving into the subject matter. While the curse of the Marquis de Sade may be seen by some as a superstitious belief, it serves as a reminder of the enduring power and impact of Sade's writings. His works continue to challenge societal norms and provoke discussions on topics such as sexuality, violence, and power dynamics. Whether one believes in the curse or not, there is no denying the indelible mark that the Marquis de Sade has left on literature and the collective imagination..
Reviews for "The Marquis de Sade's Censored Works: Examining the Limits of Freedom of Expression"
1. Jennifer - 2/5 stars
I found "The Curse of the Marquis de Sade" to be a very disappointing read. The characters were poorly developed, and the plot felt disjointed and confusing. The writing style seemed pretentious and unnecessarily flowery, making it difficult to fully grasp what was happening. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 2/5 stars
"The Curse of the Marquis de Sade" failed to live up to my expectations. The story lacked depth and failed to explore the intriguing themes it initially promised. The pacing was slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the narrative. Moreover, the explicit and graphic content felt gratuitous and detracted from any potential message the book might have had. I was disappointed by this read and wouldn't recommend it.
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I couldn't even finish "The Curse of the Marquis de Sade" due to the disturbing and highly explicit content. The book seemed focused on shock value rather than crafting a compelling story. The excessive violence and sexual content overshadowed any potential plot or character development. I found it offensive and not worth my time. Please be aware of the explicit nature of this book before considering picking it up.
4. David - 2/5 stars
"The Curse of the Marquis de Sade" felt like a convoluted mess of a story. The plot took too many unnecessary detours, and I struggled to find a clear direction. The characters were unrelatable and lacked any depth or development. Additionally, the writing style was difficult to follow, with overly complex language and metaphors that felt forced. Overall, this book was a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend it.