Suspens ou Suspension. Pour rapprocher le suspens du pervers de la suspension entre les sexes chez Joyce
Suspense or Suspension. In Favour of a Closeness Between the Suspense of the Pervers and the Suspension Between Sexes in Joyce

Summary/Abstract: In this paper, the author takes advantage of the findings of Lacanian psychoanalytic theory in order to re-evaluate the classic Freudian interpretation of perversion. According to it, sadism and masochism are not necessarily coupled but are two different ways of finding satisfaction, which are not mutually interchangeable. Even though they are both related to the same structure defined by what the author identifies as “le suspens” (i.e. suspense), a third element is needed in order for them to be satisfied. This third element is indicated by the expression “la suspension”, which denotes someone (or something) being “between sexes”. Using masochism as paradigmatic of perversion, the author demonstrates that being “in suspense” and being “in suspension” are two possible ways to differentiate between perversion and psychosis.

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