From illusion to erotism: Manuel M. Flores’s Romantic prose

Abstract

Manuel M. Flores (1840-1885) stands out among the emblematic authors of Mexican Romanticism. Flores’s love lifeis the inspiration of most of his work, an element that characterizes him as an exponent of vital Romanticism, setting him apart from other poets of his time. It is not intended to limit or reduce his lyrical manifestation to amorous expression; however, it is obvious that his literary production, both poetry and prose, revolves around the erotic element. The aim of this analysis will be to look at Manuel M. Flores’s erotic conception in his book Rosas caídas, through Georges Bataille’s concept of erotism,  as an eternal transit between desire and pleasure, joy and suffering, death and life, which is manifested by the weariness of love relationships whenever passion is exceeded.