Like the collector, the photographer is animated by a passion that, even when it appears to be for the present, is linked to a sense of the past.
What pornography is really about, ultimately, isn't sex but death.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that pornography reflects deeper existential issues rather than just a sexual expression.
Susan Sontag's quote indicates that pornography is not merely a representation of sexual desire, but rather it taps into themes of mortality and the human condition. By implying that the essence of pornography lies in its confrontation with death, Sontag challenges us to consider how sexual imagery relates to our fears, desires, and the inevitability of mortality, urging a deeper reflection on the societal implications of such content.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on media and its cultural implications, this quote can help illustrate the complex nature of sexual representation.
More from Susan Sontag
All quotes βScience fiction films are not about science. They are about disaster, which is one of the oldest subjects of art.
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It hurts to love. It's like giving yourself to be flayed and knowing that at any moment the other person may just walk off with your skin.
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