Erotic Citizens

Exploring the intersection of sexuality and democracy, Erotic Citizens critiques traditional social contracts through narratives of sexual ruin and intimacy in early American literature.

In Erotic Citizens, Elizabeth Dill explores the intricate relationship between sexuality and the formation of democratic ideals during America's early years. The book delves into the narrative of sexual ruin, presenting it as a genre that critiques traditional notions of democracy, particularly the social contract and the concept of the sovereign individual. Dill argues that the literature from this period reflects a tension between the sober ideals of the Enlightenment and the carnal desires that permeated society. Rather than expressing anxiety over unrestrained passions, these texts endorse a more liberated understanding of erotic intimacy.

Dill's examination spans a variety of cultural artifacts, including philosophical tracts, political cartoons, and novels from the antebellum period. Through these diverse sources, Erotic Citizens reconsiders how embodiment and selfhood contribute to notions of national belonging. The narratives presented range from the experiences of an enslaved woman in North Carolina to the reflections of an English earl, all utilizing the theme of sexual ruin to articulate their stories. This approach reveals the political potential of the sympathetic body, challenging the marriage contract as the sole model for democratic citizenship.

Ultimately, Erotic Citizens posits that the most revolutionary aspect of the era was not merely the establishment of a self-governing populace, but the acknowledgment of a self that defies governance. Dill’s work invites readers to rethink the intersections of sexuality, citizenship, and the evolving understanding of democracy in early America.