The discussion of bodily functions in literature

[liftedbooks]

I had a great laugh at this one too! I don't mind if it is described humorously as it is in this case. I would not be inclined to read a book devoted to the subject though. That would just be weird.

[ChrisChatfield]

I think it should be included in the story as it does include an amount of realism. There have been several instances where I've read a story or watched an action-packed movie and asked myself, "I wonder how they have time to eat or go to the bathroom while this whole thing is going on".

[Mely918]

Off the top of my head I can only remember the Green Mile describing the pain of one of its main characters peeing while having a urinary infection. It was definitely very descriptive and painful to read, but I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. It is one of my favorite books ever!

[Morganncall]

I feel like, especially for women, bodily descriptions are rare, so naturally I pay attention. I think there is a link between writting and the body, and reading and the body. Bodily functions can make you laugh, cringe, feel sick or embarrased, but no matter what, they always create such a viceral reaction. I LOVE that viceral reaction because it just plunges you into the story so well.

[Brittany J]

I think bodily functions can make a story or character seem more realistic, and in this example, add some humor as well. A few of these moments throughout a story is fine, but wouldn't want to read a lot of them.

[GKerr]

I have to say that I have not read any books recently that really describe bodily functions. However, I think that they would be an interesting addition to some novels. Especially fantasy novels. I think I would laugh seeing a person having to deal with having to pee during the apocalypse, or having an upset stomach or even the flu while they were traveling on a long-term adventure.

This is always something which baffles me about stories, they never show the basic needs of the person, and I am guilty of this myself!
It would be interesting to read a narrative which was so intwined with realism that it portrayed almost every action of the person, no matter how unpleasant it might be... unsure what genre it would fit in though!

[Laura Del]

I think that authors should describe bodily functions more often. I mean, we all pee. I've noticed that people get squeamish when you talk or write about them, but it's something that everyone can relate to. Another book series that I know the author talks pee, is the Geek Girl series. It shouldn't bother anyone, it's just a natural part of life.

[JR Mercier]

This thread has ruined me.
All I can picture now is running from certain death but sweating because you have diarrhea from eating something questionable.
Also, I think we need a comedy dystopian novel. Yes, definitely.

[michmc3]

I had to laugh at Sophie's detailed description of a woman trying to pee with waders on, as I often get caught in a similar position outdoors when taking my dog, Splay, for a walk first thing in the morning. What effect do descriptions of bodily functions in novels have on you? Which books have you encountered with such descriptions, and would you encourage others to read the novels concerned, or would you be too embarrassed to ?

Fun topic! What did you think about the 'socrifice' in the book? ~Michelle Cummings

Why don't you tell us what you think about it first?

Well I thought it was hysterical, but then again, I made it up! ~Michelle Cummings

[[Valerie Allen]]

Yes, that certainly was a funny moment Sophie shared. However, I do not recall too many moments where such descriptions of bodily functions in novels have effected me. But I will say, as I read that segment of the story, I felt for her. Furthermore, if I ever come across such descriptive novels, I don't believe that I would be too embarrassed to encourage others to read them.

[elivia05]

I have to say that I have not read any books recently that really describe bodily functions. However, I think that they would be an interesting addition to some novels. Especially fantasy novels. I think I would laugh seeing a person having to deal with having to pee during the apocalypse, or having an upset stomach or even the flu while they were traveling on a long-term adventure.

I completely agree. It would make fictional characters seem so much more real.

[juliecsa]

I can't think of any other books off the top of my head that mention bodily functions. I've never really thought of this! Now I'm wondering if it's just because discussing it wouldn't have added to the plot, or if authors think it's taboo to do so.

[Theresa Moffitt]

I haven’t read many books with detailed description of bodily functions but it seems like it would be something that most people could relate too at some level

[Tzara Drusak]

I can't remember the exact names of books I've read, but I always find these descriptions actually quite funny, except in the cases where they come off as brass and intending to shock extremely dramatically. However, when done right, I find that inserting these sometimes has the effect of making the characters more real. It's outright ridiculous in some novels which have some female characters never menstruating. Ever. Or in other cases where they never have to go. Just adds this otherworldly quality to books that have readers detached from the characters.

[rumik]

I loved that part, Veronica's socrifice was really hilarious too! I'm not sure I recall reading about bodily functions in other books...