(no subject)

[nicevenn]

Why do people like rape fics? I'll admit, I'm always on the lookout for a good H/D hurt/comfort fic (thanks for recommending Schwarzer Spiegel, Claudia--it's awesome), though I don't write them often. As it is, I feel extremely guilty for actually enjoying reading about something that causes suffering in the real world. I'm sure most of the people who read write these kinds of stories wouldn't wish anyone harm.

... so why do we like it? It's often said that fiction helps people deal with their own RL problems. That's understandable. But there are those of us who haven't been touched by rape/violence, and yet for some disturbing reason we like to read about it. What is it about these angsty hurt/comfort fics that draws so many good people to them? (and I am talking about hurt/comfort here. I only read such stories provided that they end happily)

It's the same with incest, for me. In real life I think it's disgusting, but I enjoy it in fanfic. I guess it might be a subconscious fascination with the forbidden, in this case. Dunno.

What are your thoughts?

Comments

[nicevenn.livejournal.com]

While I can' t speak for others, I wasn't referring to being turned on by the actual rape scene. I like the stories for the angst involved in having consentual sex again, after the character's been raped.

[karadin.livejournal.com]

I think that some younger writers do put rape in their stories for the excitement/entertainment value, and most times it's too glib, in the sense of say, Lucius having raped Draco when he was a child, I don't know how there's getting over that, not only rape but incest and throw in a Dark Lord, I can read a lot of content that would be squicky if the writer can do the topic justice.

[piratesmile331.livejournal.com]

I agree with Karadin that rape is about power and not sex. And I do (like you) like the angst involved in having consensual sex again after being raped. But if I'm being totally honest here, I am turned on by the actual rape scene. It makes me squirm a little bit to admit it, and I think rape in RL is egregious, but it is what it is....

[nicevenn.livejournal.com]

For me, it dependds on how the scene is played out. I read a German fic where Harry was captured by death eaters, and Draco was a spy for Dumbledore. They allowed Harry to choose who would rape him, and he chose Draco. It was told in Draco's point of view, and he'd been secretly in love with Harry since they first met. That one sorta turned me on... it was both erotic and horifying because of Draco's mixed emotions about what he was doing...

As for rape being about power, I believe that's usually a case. But I think sometimes it can also happen that someone is so obsessed with another person, that if they can't have their consent, they'll eventually use force. That's why people who believe in love potions always warn against them, because if you change your mind, that person might not be able to stop themselves. Makes for an interesting fic, wouldn't you say?

[piratesmile331.livejournal.com]

Absolutely! Shades of rhysenn's Irresistible Poison.

[piratesmile331.livejournal.com]

*spams you*
And the German fic sounds very interesting.

[nicevenn.livejournal.com]

The link doesn't work

[piratesmile331.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry; what link?