The Story of V Chap

Chapter 7 of The Story of V: A Natural History of Female Sexuality, by Catherine Blackledge, is titled "The Function of the Orgasm." Blackledge introduces her central theme by asking the following question: "pleasure or pain? Ecstasy or agony?" The author makes the pint that there are many words in many languages describing the orgasm which reference is physiological and psychological effects. She further discusses the fact that the "desire to name, quantify, and, in doing so, understand orgasm is an age-old itch."

A number of themes run through this chapter. Blackledge addresses the theory that female orgasm is essential for conception to occur, noting that the notion that female and mutual partner orgasm was necessary for conception did not endure. The author also discusses efforts to identify female orgasm as necessary for health, stating that in the early 1900s, it was possible for American women to purchase portable vibrators.

She makes reference to Eastern versus Western views on female orgasms and maintains that many cultures consider women's capacity for orgasm to be greater than that of males. At the same time, Blackledge states that "the hints of sexual vampirism that are found in the East's beliefs about female orgasm are also present in Western ones." Drawing upon a collection of writings from ancient philosophers such as Aristotle and Avicenna, as well as physicians, the author discusses the definition and nature of female orgasms,

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Category: Medical - T