Sexus by Henry Miller (1949)

Name: Sexus
Author: Henry Miller

The novel explores the protagonist's journey towards spiritual and emotional liberation through his relationships with women. It is a semi-autobiographical account of Miller's own experiences in Paris during the 1930s. The narrative is divided into three sections, each representing a different stage in the protagonist's development. In the first section, the protagonist is portrayed as a struggling artist, obsessed with sex and material possessions. He becomes involved with a woman named Tania, who represents a more refined and cultured aspect of his personality. The second section sees the protagonist becoming increasingly disillusioned with his relationships and his own sense of identity. He begins to question the nature of reality and the meaning of life. In the final section, the protagonist undergoes a spiritual transformation, abandoning his materialistic pursuits in favor of a more austere and ascetic lifestyle.

By Henry Miller · First published 1949 · Genre: Autobiographical Fiction, Erotic Literature, Philosophical Fiction · 23 chapters · 230,916 words

First lines

It must have been a Thursday night when I met her for the first time-at the dance hall. I reported to work in the morning, after an hour or two's sleep, looking like a somnambulist. The day passed like a dream. After dinner I fell asleep on the couch and awoke fully dressed about six the next morning. I felt thoroughly refreshed, pure at heart, and obsessed with one idea-to have her at any cost. Walking through the park I debated what sort of flowers to send with the book I had promised her (Winesburg, Ohio). I was approaching my thirty-third year, the age of Christ crucified. A wholly new life lay before me, had I the courage to risk all. Actually there was nothing to risk: I was at the bottom rung of the ladder, a failure in every sense of the word.

What this Textopian page supports

Sexus is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry Miller, dated 1949 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Henry Miller
Date: 1949 CE
Language: English
Genres: Autobiographical Fiction, Erotic Literature, Philosophical Fiction, Modernist Literature, Psychological Fiction
Length: 230,916 words
Structure: 23 chapters, 2,591 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Autobiographical Fiction — The book is based on the author's own life experiences, blending fact with fiction.
Erotic Literature — The narrative contains explicit sexual content and explores themes of sexuality.
Philosophical Fiction — The text delves into existential and philosophical themes, questioning the nature of life and human experience.
Modernist Literature — The writing style and narrative structure reflect modernist techniques, including stream of consciousness and non-linear storytelling.