‘Impossibly erotic things’: On men’s underwear in Brief Encounters by Suzanne Forster | Intellect Skip to content
1981
Volume 9 Number 2
  • ISSN: 2050-070X
  • E-ISSN: 2050-0718

Abstract

Romance novels are known for their sexy heroes who grace the covers and pages. This article concerns itself with how heroes are dressed; in particular, I consider the role of men’s underwear in by Suzanne Forster. is a Harlequin Romance novel and, more specifically, a Harlequin Blaze. By way of close textual engagement, I show that men’s underwear plays a significant role in the narrative, especially with respect to the construction and representation of sexuality and masculinity. To these ends, I argue that imagines men’s underwear as being more than functional, but as desirable and erotic. This article thus contributes to scholarship at the intersection of popular culture studies and critical studies of men’s fashion.

Funding
This study was supported by the:
  • Canada Research Chairs Program
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2022-08-01
2024-04-25
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): eroticism; hero; masculinity; popular romance novel; sexuality; thongs
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