Venus is Furs highlights that the concept of love is an intrinsic part of masochism that is lacking in Psychopathia Sexualis. Krafft-Ebing presents masochism as being centered around the masochist himself, not in terms of wanting to raise the status of the woman the masochist loves. This is highlighted on many occasions. One patient would have to tell the stories of his fantasies to pretty girls in order to ejaculate, while another patient would visit brothels to be beaten. In both these cases, as well as others, it is clear that the fantasy is about the pain and humiliation. Severin, in Venus in Furs, shows the reader otherwise. He displays his love or infatuation for Wanda by wanting to realize his innate fantasies, with her; Wanda, and Severin’s love for her are the catalysis for his
Venus is Furs highlights that the concept of love is an intrinsic part of masochism that is lacking in Psychopathia Sexualis. Krafft-Ebing presents masochism as being centered around the masochist himself, not in terms of wanting to raise the status of the woman the masochist loves. This is highlighted on many occasions. One patient would have to tell the stories of his fantasies to pretty girls in order to ejaculate, while another patient would visit brothels to be beaten. In both these cases, as well as others, it is clear that the fantasy is about the pain and humiliation. Severin, in Venus in Furs, shows the reader otherwise. He displays his love or infatuation for Wanda by wanting to realize his innate fantasies, with her; Wanda, and Severin’s love for her are the catalysis for his