ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relationship of two different couples to sadomasochism and, in particular, the sadomasochistic contract. One couple comes from the classic novel of masochism, Venus in Furs, and the other from the award-winning but controversial film, breaking the Waves. Relating through power, rather than through love, is to live in the realm of force, subservience, non-mutuality, domination, submission, and the circular dynamic of sadomasochism. Sadistic and masochistic couple interactions are a product of both partners, even when the natural action of the opposites of sadism and masochism in sexual life is taken into account. There are many reasons why individuals might suffer from the replacement of love by power, and many different ways of managing this in the couple relationship. Sadism ties violence against others together with sexual excitement. Venus in Furs concerns the relationship between a young Galician nobleman, Severin, and a beautiful, rich widow, Wanda von Dunajew, who meet in a resort in the Carpathian Mountains.
