In the beginning, I didn’t understand how graphic it would be. The descriptions got very descriptive and it sexualized almost everyone who came into contact with the group: The Duke, the Banker, the Bishop and the Judge.
There were points in the scholarly introduction where they tried to separate the author from the text and give Marquis some breathing room. Both the people and the text do some horrific actions. He is later said to be trying to defend his actions against the women he abused,
” Yes I am a libertine, I admit; I have imagined everything that can be imagined of this kind, but I have surely not done everything I have imagined and will surely never do so. I am a libertine, but I am not a criminal or murderer.” (Marquis xix)
This is him not taking accountability and trying to say there could have been worse things he could have done but chose not to do.
I understand why others would want to analyze Marquis behavior and what would get someone to act like this and his work could be interpreted as a commentary. I believe this takes away any responsibility and any accountability for his actions. They try to paint a picture of him being an innovator of sorts.
