Whatever Emperor Josef said was probably pretty blunt (eventually), since the Austrians were known for their more liberal attituded toward sex. Josef was very progressive and one of the few people in the Viennese court, for instance, who not only tolerated Mozart's famous, very vulgur, sexual humor, but even encouraged it in a way by allowing "common" operas in German (which he tried to make the national language of Austria)and "Opera buffas" in Italian, such as "Don Giovanni". He was well-educated, had read Voltaire, for example, believed in the Enlightenment and had introduced many reforms, such as abolishing serfdom, mandating education for all boys and girls and reducing the power of the Church.
What surprised me was that Louis was so clueless, when his grandfather seemed like a sex maniac, complete with live-in mistress! Apparently, the two of them never had "The Talk"!
She deserves her revenge, and we deserve to die.
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BernadetteButterfly
12 years ago
When I was at school we were told that Louis and Marie took so long to consummate their marriage because they were both too young when they got married, and needed time to develop a proper relationship first.
But when I found out about Louis' forefather's sexual promiscuity I thought differently. I thought maybe his forefather's behaviour had caused the younger Louis to rebel by doing the opposite. Lots of children grow up deliberately trying to be the opposite of their forefathers, because it is the only way they can establish their own individuality. Especially if they felt overwhelmed by their elder's behaviour when they were growing up.
But I didn't know about how he may have had a sexual disfunction. That's interesting.
http://www.wix.com/butterflyinabottle/bernadettebutterfly
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unknown_soul278
12 years ago
I am curious, where did you go to school? Marriage at their age and consummation of that marriage was very common at that time, so the idea that their youth was the issue seems like something used now to discourage young marriage (and sex) in children now. While that is not necessarily a bad thing, twisting history to support that seems wrong. A little like religious leaders twisting scripture to support their own agendas.
I agree that the sexual dysfunction ideas have a lot if merit and definitely make more sense than a lot of the homosexuality discussions. His reluctance seemed more difficult to overcome than attraction issues, especially since they did seem to develop a genuine affection for each other.
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deem714
12 years ago
I agree.... They were married that young because the earlier they get the muenstrating girls pregnant, the longer time they have to have children who will outlive childhood.
I always wondered why the younger brothers were married.... before him.
HE was the future king, why did they worry about the others?
Oh Thank you God! Thank you so BLOODY much!Basil Fawlty
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BernadetteButterfly
12 years ago
unknown soul:
We were told that at school by our history teacher, Sister John.
It was a convent. I guess that may explain why we were told the 'meaningful relationship' version of events.
:-)
It does have a certain truth about it though. I mean, how do we know whether Marie and Louis decided to abstain from each other? Only the two of them will ever know the truth, won't they?
http://www.wix.com/butterflyinabottle/bernadettebutterfly
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unknown_soul278
12 years ago
You are right there, no one will ever know for sure. The marriage was arranged, and while my views may be uncommon now, I don't see the appeal of sex with a stranger. But, kids today are different than we were.
The wild, cruel animal is not behind the bars of a cage. He is in front of it.
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