Domestic Intimacies: Incest and the Liberal Subject in Nineteenth-Century America

In the complex landscape of nineteenth-century America, familial relationships were often laden with unspoken tensions and hidden desires. This exploration delves into the nuanced treatment of incest within the framework of liberal ideals that permeated society during this era. It challenges prevalent assumptions that incest has always been an absolute taboo by examining how cultural and legal perceptions evolved, revealing the complexities of intimacy and kinship.

Brian Connolly navigates the intersection of personal relationships and broader societal constructs, highlighting how notions of individualism and autonomy influenced familial dynamics. Through meticulous research, he unveils the ways these intimate connections were perceived, often illustrated through literature and legal discourse, which both reflected and shaped public sentiment.

The work prompts readers to reconsider established narratives surrounding moral boundaries and familial loyalty. By recontextualizing incest in the historical moment, it urges contemplation of the broader implications for understanding modern relationships and the ongoing discourse surrounding sexuality, power, and consent in contemporary society.