Hermitix The Marquis De Sade and The 120 Days of Sodom with Will McMorran
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Jun 11, 2025 Will McMorran, a Professor at Queen Mary University, dives into the life and works of the Marquis de Sade, focusing on 'The 120 Days of Sodom.' He explores the challenges of teaching controversial literature and the emotional dynamics faced by educators. McMorran discusses Sade's complex legacy, the ambiguity of his narratives, and the darker themes of authority and violence within his works. The conversation reveals how Sade's infamous reputation invites critical reflection on societal norms and the boundaries of fiction.
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McMorran's Naive Introduction to Sade
- Will McMorran accidentally encountered Sade through teaching and initially avoided the obscene parts out of naivety.
- This uneasy, visceral reaction to Sade's work has driven his scholarly engagement for decades.
Sade's Unreliable Authorial Position
- Sade uniquely creates uncertainty about the author's intentions and moral alignment.
- This forces readers into unease as they can't assume the author supports good or evil sides.
Sade's Life Fueled Public Myth
- Sade's notorious criminal and scandalous life fueled public myth-making about him.
- His imprisonments were largely due to blasphemy and scandals rather than his writings.
