This quote's relevance is apparent through today's obsession with over sexualization, especially in the media. Often products or shows are advertised to provoke a physical reaction of attraction or intrigue.
However, sex in itself has little to do with this stereotypical view.
In the chapter, It's All About Sex..., there is mention of literature and movies that present sex in a classy way. Rather by letting a scene speak for itself and leaving it up to the imagination, or by having some sort of representation. Many may say that it was old fashioned societal conformity that prevented such scenes from being more explicit, but I believe it is because there was a deeper understanding and respect towards sex as something other than purely physical. Gradually (or not so gradually) society in the role of an audience has grown more immature and lazy. This goes back to the idea of our culture being spoon-fed; everything must be very blatant because people no longer want to stretch their minds to other concepts in regard to such a common aspect of life. People's interest in shows has to do with the desire to watch something scandalous or thrilling, so those producing add in gratuitous graphic scenes simply to draw in audiences.
On the opposing side is authors and poets who understand the "rapport" that Durrell refers to. Such writers comprehend the psychic experience as an essential journey of the character, rather than an entertainment matter. They understand something beyond the primitive desire and lust. It could be the beauty of two people's vulnerability, or it could be in relation to nature and fertility or any realm of human emotion.
Now to get more into how this topic spreads out to modern day literature and film. To start with Fifty Shades of Grey is purely about sex. That is much of its appeal. Many people will say it has to do with the balance of dominance and submissiveness. Yet, when you think about it, those two opposites are precisely what drive our most primitive instincts. Whether it be hunting or sex, there is a constant theme of preying. There are also shows on every station that display graphic sex scenes as if it were nothing. The Tudors could sufficiently tell their story without the excessive nudity. In modern day culture, most sexual themes focus on female nudity/ male dominance. This relates back to our patriarchal society. Men have imposed the need to be perfect into the female mind. By constantly ingraining these images into girl's brains, we are reminded of what we need to be. Also, men will watch the show and be driven to these books and shows while women are oblivious. Sex has always been a topic of conversation. In the past though it was much more metaphorical to describe a persons journey. Nowadays, sex is blatant and purely about sex. There are way to many topics to touch on when discussing how prevalent sex is modern day society. However, it is safe to say that it remains a constant theme throughout time, as people have a primitive inclination towards sexualized material.
