Deadly Desires

Julie Lokis-Adkins, PhD, is originally from Seattle but relocated to London to pursue her Master's Degree and Doctorate in French and Psychoanalytical Studies. After finishing her postgraduate work at the University of London, Dr Lokis-Adkins completed her clinical degree in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the renowned Tavistock Centre where she specialised in working with individuals and couples. Dr Lokis-Adkins currently resides and practices in the United States.

'This book reminds you that the rights you take for granted in a contemporary world had to be fought for in the past. It offers a powerful narrative of the journey women had to undertake to recognise their rights: not just as political or economical entities, but also as sexual beings. The lecture of this fascinating study casts a new light on old questions: relations between sex and gender, power play in intimate liaisons and above all, a profound struggle to free oneself from prejudice and oppression.'- Sylwia Ashley-Kot, MSc, Psychology Team Manager, Future Schools Trust'This book is a marvel! It is an essential read for anyone interested in psychoanalysis. Frequent discussion and referrals to art and literature give us a powerful and an insightful perspective on woman's sexuality in the fin de siecle. Dr Julie Lokis-Adkins, an incredibly experienced and respected academic, gives us a rich and well-researched piece of work that is written with the ease and delight of an alluring and entertaining novel. It is a pleasure to recommend it.'- Dorota Mucha, MA, MBACP, BSCPC(FM), Private Practice and Visiting Counsellor in Tavistock Centre for Couple Relationship

• Preface , Introduction , Historical Background , Widowhood and nineteenth-century culture , Rachilde, widowhood, and the fin-de-siècle , Sex, gender, and perversion in the Decadent text , Monsieur Vénus , The construction of decorative fantasy: premarital desire , Monstrous sexualities , The eroticism of death , La Marquise De Sade , The birth of a female sadomasochist , The foundations of masochism , The dawn of sadism , Marriage: autonomy or imprisonment? , Widowhood: self-imposed or inescapable fate? , La Jongleuse , Black and white: vulnerability or a sign of power? , Performing autonomy: the widowed woman as fantasy , The whore’s dress: blatant display of female sexuality , Final masquerade: birth of sexual freedom in death , Conclusion