“In the deepest recesses of great literature lies the primal force of desire.” — Albert Mordell What drives the greatest characters of fiction—what awakens their passions, fuels their struggles, and shapes their destinies? For Albert Mordell, the answer is clear: erotic desire. In this bold and controversial classic, Mordell explores the hidden psychological and sexual forces behind some of the world’s most revered literary works. From Shakespeare and Goethe to modern masters, this pioneering study traces how love, lust, repression, and longing have been the silent motors behind the finest literature. Thought-provoking and fearless, The Erotic Motive in Literature challenges readers to reexamine familiar texts with new eyes—and recognize the desires that burn beneath the surface of every narrative.