I think it may be a good idea to first look generically to the possible types of conflict, to then look how well they fit to your definition of a purely erotic novel.

I think the most important distinction in this respect is between obstacles and decision problems (note that I just made up that terminology; I don't know if there's any established terminology for this distinction).

An obstacle is something that hinders you from getting what you want. The conflict is resolved by removing the obstacle, by circumventing it, or by accepting the limitation. Obstacles are typically outer conflicts (the obstacle is in the world around you), but can be inner conflicts as well (for example, the obstacle can be your fear).
A decision problem is when you have several goals, wishes or desires that are or seem mutually exclusive. The conflict is resolved by deciding for one of the options, by finding a way to fulfil both, or by recognizing that neither actually satisfies you, and what you really want is something else. A decision problem is typically an inner conflict. It may be an outer conflict if someone presents you with the choice.

Now let's try to apply your criterion that a story is not purely erotic if it contains non-sexual narrative elements which could also be told without their sexual or erotic turn.

I think that pretty much rules out obstacles. This includes some you classified as purely erotic, such as

A character is afraid of sex and overcomes their fear.

A character is afraid of swimming and overcomes their fear. The non-sexual narrative element here is the fear.

A character learns to have sex or to perform certain sexual practices or to enjoy them.

A character learns to swim or to perform certain swimming techniques or to enjoy them. The non-sexual narrative element here is the learning.

A character has sex in circumstances where sex is not allowed or taboo (in public, with a family member, etc.)

A character has a romantic relationship where a romantic relationship is not allowed or taboo (with someone of different social status, with a family member, etc.). Or even, a character has friendship where friendship is not allowed or taboo. The non-sexual narrative element here is the forbiddance/taboo.

Basically the only of your examples that survives is rape, but that one you explicitly excluded from the list of things you want to write about.

So what remains is the decision problem. And for that I don't see any fundamental reason why it cannot be purely erotic. It just means that the conflicting goals, wishes or desires are all to be purely erotic in nature.

For example, the protagonist might want their first sex to be perfect, and believes this can only be achieved by learning as much as possible about different sex practices before actually having sex. They don't feel they've sufficiently studied sex practices yet when they meet someone with whom they desire to have sex now. Suddenly there's a conflict: The only perceived way to have the desired perfect first sex is to not have the desired immediate sex.

---

(0)

Login to post a comment!