The Penetrated Male

The Penetrated Male by Jonathan Kemp, published by punctum books on September 12, 2013, is a scholarly work that delves into the complexities of the penetrated male body through nuanced readings of modernist texts by authors such as Baudelaire, Huysmans, Wilde, Genet, Joyce, and Schreber. This 250-page book examines the intersections of gender and representation, focusing on the concept of the behind as a site of both fascination and fear, while developing new understandings of passivity in relation to the modern masculine subject.

Readers will find a critical exploration of how the penetrated male body is deconstructed within literary contexts, contributing to discussions in LGBTQ+ studies and social science. The text argues that the representation of the penetrated male is tied to erotic thought and the disavowal of penetrability, offering insights into the genderisation of bodies. This edition serves as an important resource for those interested in queer theory and the evolving discourse surrounding gender and sexuality.