The discussion of bodily functions in literature

[LoisCHenderson]

Thanks, my comments have been referred to as such in this forum. I guess 'correctness' has its place but in some subjects it contradicts objective discussions.

You speak like a true intellectual (but without academic stuffiness)!

[Chelsy Scherba]

Well, the only experience I have with body functions in entertainment was in the horrible movie “Dream Catcher”. It was pretty amusing, but stupid as well so I can’t say I’m much of a fan of that type of content.

[LoisCHenderson]

Well, the only experience I have with body functions in entertainment was in the horrible movie “Dream Catcher”. It was pretty amusing, but stupid as well so I can’t say I’m much of a fan of that type of content.

There's a great review of this movie on IMDb - have you checked it out yet? BTW, wherever Stephen King is involved does tend to be rather zany!

[Christina O Phillips]

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?

It may sound weird, but I appreciate when books and movies deal with real instances such as this and bodily functions. It makes it more realistic for me. I mean, I know it seems like a minor thing, but it does add a realistic touch to it.

One of the things that I appreciate about the Outlander books is the realism of what it is like to not shower and have to sleep in a jail room full of men who smell and the way that Gabaldon always talks about bodily functions: peeing in an outhouse, for example.

[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

[katiesquilts]

I definitely think that describing bodily functions can add humor or a sense or reality to a book or TV series, depending on the author's intent. I think pacing is super important, though. Like if I'm watching an action movie and there's intense music and the main character is running around making preparations for some big deed then I'm going to get worked up anticipating what will happen next, but if he suddenly stops all that to take a bathroom break and make potty jokes then all the anticipation goes down the toilet...literally.

[LoisCHenderson]

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?

It may sound weird, but I appreciate when books and movies deal with real instances such as this and bodily functions. It makes it more realistic for me. I mean, I know it seems like a minor thing, but it does add a realistic touch to it.

One of the things that I appreciate about the Outlander books is the realism of what it is like to not shower and have to sleep in a jail room full of men who smell and the way that Gabaldon always talks about bodily functions: peeing in an outhouse, for example.

Such graphic realism is ennobling if the individuals involved can rise above their physical limitations to reach a level of self-awareness to which not many are able to rise. That is why the few ascend to the stars, while the rest of us remain grovelling in the dust. In a wider context, one could think of the instance of the lepers in Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ (although Christianity was the saving grace under those terrible conditions).

[Oceanside]

I think when authors go into that kind of detail it makes the book more tangible and relatable. A lot of times I feel that small details like that make a book better. For example, when there is a love story about a couple, you rarely get the details about the awkwardness of passing gas when you're in a new relationship. Everything is portrayed as great and wonderful. But people in the real world have to think about those kinds of things. Obviously the writers omit these things on purpose or else it would throw off the tone of the book. I enjoy reading books with this type of detail but maybe that's just my own taste.

[LoisCHenderson]

I think when authors go into that kind of detail it makes the book more tangible and relatable. A lot of times I feel that small details like that make a book better. For example, when there is a love story about a couple, you rarely get the details about the awkwardness of passing gas when you're in a new relationship. Everything is portrayed as great and wonderful. But people in the real world have to think about those kinds of things. Obviously the writers omit these things on purpose or else it would throw off the tone of the book. I enjoy reading books with this type of detail but maybe that's just my own taste.

That is a true test of friendship - whether one can pass gas comfortably in the presence of one's partner. I think this would be a cool intro for a talk to teenagers about abstaining until the time is right: only go to bed with someone when you're comfortable about letting off wind in their presence. Maybe it should be included in one's wedding vows, too - forbearance of the physicality of the other person at all times!

[LoisCHenderson]

I definitely think that describing bodily functions can add humor or a sense or reality to a book or TV series, depending on the author's intent. I think pacing is super important, though. Like if I'm watching an action movie and there's intense music and the main character is running around making preparations for some big deed then I'm going to get worked up anticipating what will happen next, but if he suddenly stops all that to take a bathroom break and make potty jokes then all the anticipation goes down the toilet...literally.

Quite so - totally flushed away! LOL!!

[LoisCHenderson]

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?

[KLafser]

Many of the books that I read involve larger issues than bodily function, like running from a corrupt government or coping with the apocalypse. Because there are so many other issues, the author rarely has time to comment on things that we normal people take for granted, like finding time to go to the bathroom.

While I think it would be an effective way to create a sense of realism, I think it would be hard to incorporate it in a way that isn't distracting or weird. Or to make sure it doesn't change the tone of the writing.

Completely agree! While these scenes could be a funny/interesting add, I think if they are included they have to add to the story as it did in The Reel Sisters.

[JuliaKay]

The most common bodily functions that I have read about it books are menstruation, flatulence, and erections. I does not both me when bodily functions are mentioned in literature, as it is real life. It does bother me when it is mentioned repeatedly, as if the author only knows this kind of humor. I think in this story, it is humorous, and a situation that I, too, have found myself in. It made me laugh out loud.

[LoisCHenderson]

The most common bodily functions that I have read about it books are menstruation, flatulence, and erections. I does not both me when bodily functions are mentioned in literature, as it is real life. It does bother me when it is mentioned repeatedly, as if the author only knows this kind of humor. I think in this story, it is humorous, and a situation that I, too, have found myself in. It made me laugh out loud.

High five on that one!

[holsam_87]

Unfortunately I have a tendency to shy away from books that get too descriptive in talking about bodily functions. I get easily nauseous when I read about them, which is ironic since I work as a Home Care worker.