Das Drama mit unserer Erotik

In all his works, eroticism plays a significant role, whether between men and women or in same-sex relationships. Here, however, the Polish eccentric, egocentric, and hedonist elevates it to a completely new level. Written in Spanish – unusually for Gombrowicz – and published between 1944 and 1945 during his Latin American exile, the essays in "The Drama of Our Eroticism" explore the significance of eroticism for social interaction. Gombrowicz critiques the gender dynamics, particularly in his new home of Argentina, the outdated understanding of roles, the reduction of women to girls, their self-infantilization, and powerfully illustrates the fatal impact these issues have both psychologically and in societal and political terms. He concludes that a Ministry of Erotic Affairs should be established. Throughout, Gombrowicz primarily focuses on the situation of women in the New World, the prevailing beauty ideals, as well as outdated notions of masculinity. It becomes clear: eroticism is never merely a private matter, but always a political issue as well.