Venus in Furs

Venus in Furs was in interesting tale of men's desire. The display of mental and physical power is an intriguing thought. Because men are usually in power, Venus in Furs was different. It portrayed Venus and Wendy as the powerful icons. Venus, being a goddess has always had an amount of power. She is the goddess of futility and beauty. The story opens with a dream that the narrator has of Venus herself, dominating him and telling him what to do. He enjoys this attitude and is completely devoted to her. We see the same thing in Severin's story. He worships Wendy, and although she does not want to be involved in this kind of relationship at first, she begins to realize it is to her advantage. The text states, "Man is the one who desires, woman the one who is desired." This is a clear way of saying that a woman is a man's weakness. Even though the woman is put on a high pedestal in this story, the underlying thoughts that women try to take over men's roles is still there. Women are still "the bad guy". " Woman's power lies in man's passion, and she knows how to use it, if man doesn't understand himself. He has only one choice: to be the tyrant over or the slave of woman. As soon as he gives in, his neck is under the yoke, and the lash will soon fall upon him." It is encouraged to try and dominate the woman, but because the woman is just so darn sexy, it is hard for men to take over. And if they do not take action fast, women will surely beat them down.