Neil said:
I'd say that this is an accurate description, but that the "sadistic twist" conclusion does not necessarily follow. "Sadism," I believe, means enjoying inflicting pain on others (whether in a sexual context or otherwise).
I'd say rather that sadism is deriving sexual pleasure from inflicting pain--the moral distinction is whether the recipients enjoy it or not. In a non-sexual context, pain is frequently inflicted in the name of patriotism, religion, etc.
But isn't that, though, the attraction of sadism too? I think Wendy's got
a
point here, because as I argued in the recent thread on this subject, not just any old injury will do. The debilitating injury
Usually they're not debilitating though--nothing that a quick regen cast and cuddle can't cure. (In a story of mine I said that Blake was surprised that Cally's prescription was a bubble bath and half a bottle of champagne.)
And like all ritual, it's purpose is to lend a sense of importance to an otherwise mundane event.
We shouldn't forget the close connection between "ritual" and "cliche" (valuable work-reduction tool for the writer).
But is that really different from hearing the agonised screams/ecstatic moans of someone as you flog them or drip hot wax over their back (how the *hell* do I come to know this?).
You read a lot of fanfic? Don't worry, Neil--you've said a lot of quite believable things about space ships.
BTW, there is no such thing as really HOT wax-- it has a very low melting point. And I'd say that the difference is between agonized screams and ecstatic moans.
This, I think, is true - it's the comfort, rather than the hurt, that provides the gratification, but in order to have the comfort you must
first
have the hurt.
It's always fascinating to me what we find in our imaginations, and what we choose to put down on paper. It's a very common factor in all genres that suffering is essential to catharsis.
Neil (who is now expecting people at Redemption to give him curious
sidelong
glances as he walks past)
Hey, lots of people at Redemption are on FC too! I'd be AWFULLY careful about where I wore my keys if I were you, mate.
-(Y)