The Double Flame: Love and Eroticism

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In this series of essays Octavio Paz explores the intimate connection between sex, eroticism, and love in literature throughout the ages. Rich in scope, The Double Flame examines everything from taboo to repression, Carnival to Lent, Sade to Freud, original sin to artificial intelligence. “Brimming with insight, thoughtfulness, and sincerity” (Kirkus Reviews). Translated by Helen Lane.

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1993

About the author

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Octavio Paz Lozano was a Mexican writer, poet, and diplomat, and the winner of the 1982 Neustadt International Prize for Literature and the 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature ("for impassioned writing with wide horizons, characterized by sensuous intelligence and humanistic integrity.")

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Octavio Paz is a renowned Mexican poet and writer. His works often explore profound themes and emotions. In the context of "vs. los demonios de la demencia senil" (versus the demons of senile dementia), it seems that Paz is engaged in a sort of battle or struggle.

Senile dementia is a cruel and debilitating condition that can rob individuals of their memories, their identities, and their ability to function normally. It is like a set of demons that haunt and torment those affected by it.

Paz, with his creative genius and deep understanding of the human psyche, may be using his writing as a means to confront and perhaps even exorcise these demons. His words could serve as a weapon, a shield, or a source of comfort in the face of this可怕的 adversary.

Through his poetry and prose, Paz may be able to give voice to the experiences and emotions of those dealing with senile dementia, as well as offer hope and inspiration to others. His work could be a powerful tool in the fight against this disease, helping to raise awareness and promote understanding.

In conclusion, Octavio Paz's encounter with the demons of senile dementia is likely to be a complex and deeply moving one, and his writing may have the potential to make a significant impact in the lives of many.
July 15,2025
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I had never read anything by this Mexican author before, and I was pleasantly surprised.

In this essay on love, sex, and eroticism, Octavio Paz delves into the prehistory of love to tell us how it emerges and evolves through ancient Greece, Rome, and up to our present day.

He tells us how the myth according to which since we are born we seek our other half leads us to fall in love with a unique person, and why that person? This is the great mystery of love.

One learns a lot of history between the pages of this book, and it has awakened in me the desire to read Dante. I recommend it. I liked it (3.5 stars).
July 15,2025
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I really loved it very much.

It was a very deep reading and a good reflection on modern romance.

The story took me on a journey through the complex emotions and experiences that people face in today's relationships.

The author's writing style was engaging and made it easy for me to connect with the characters and their struggles.

It made me think about my own views on love and relationships and how they have evolved over time.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the topic of modern romance and wants to gain a deeper understanding of the human heart.

Overall, it was a truly wonderful and thought-provoking read that I will not soon forget.

July 15,2025
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La llama doble de Octavio Paz es un ensayo extremadamente profundo y erudito.

En él, se explora la fascinante relación entre el amor, la pasión y la literatura a lo largo de la historia. Desde la antigüedad hasta la modernidad, Octavio Paz analiza cómo el amor ha sido conceptualizado, pasando por etapas como el amor cortés, el misticismo y la revolución sexual.

Su planteamiento central es que el amor es una combinación única de erotismo y ternura, una "llama doble" que otorga sentido a la experiencia humana.

Este libro me ha gustado en particular porque no se limita a una visión simplista o idealizada del amor. En cambio, lo examina con una mirada crítica y cultural. Paz integra numerosas referencias filosóficas, poéticas y psicológicas, lo que ayuda a comprender por qué amamos de la manera en que lo hacemos hoy en día. Además, a pesar de que su estilo puede ser denso en algunos pasajes, mantiene una belleza literaria que hace que la lectura sea casi poética en sí misma.

Es un ensayo perfecto para reflexionar no solo sobre el amor en pareja, sino también sobre cómo nuestra cultura moldea nuestras emociones y relaciones. Se necesita tener un interés por la literatura y la filosofía para disfrutarlo al máximo. Creo que leerlo amplía nuestra perspectiva sobre el tema y nos permite ver el amor desde una variedad de ángulos.

July 15,2025
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In my opinion, this book is truly remarkable.

Every sentence within its pages is filled with value and significance. It covers a wide range of important topics such as love, sexuality, history, and eroticism.

These are areas that people greatly need education about.

From the very first page to the last, I was completely engrossed and in love with this book.

I firmly believe that it should be taught in all schools.

By doing so, students can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these complex and often overlooked aspects of life.

It has the potential to open their minds and broaden their perspectives, leading to a more informed and enlightened society.

This book is a valuable asset that deserves to be shared and studied by all.
July 15,2025
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The word "loathsome" is truly a powerful and evocative term. It describes something that is extremely repulsive, disgusting, and abhorrent.

When we encounter something loathsome, it can evoke a strong sense of aversion and even physical discomfort. It might be a sight, a smell, or an experience that is so unpleasant that it leaves a lasting impression.

For example, a rotting corpse or a pile of garbage can be considered loathsome. The stench and the visual appearance are enough to make anyone's stomach turn.

Similarly, certain behaviors or actions can also be described as loathsome. Acts of cruelty, violence, or dishonesty are often regarded as morally repugnant and loathsome.

In conclusion, the word "loathsome" captures the essence of something that is truly revolting and worthy of our condemnation. It serves as a reminder of the things that we should strive to avoid and the values that we should uphold.
July 15,2025
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I could easily give it five stars. However, particularly in my edition, there was a section that I found neither meaningful nor coherent. I understand that it was an approach towards the East, but an introduction to the East almost at the end did not seem very appropriate to me.

Nevertheless, I loved the conclusions. They rounded off two hundred pages in an excellent way. It's as if after a somewhat bumpy ride in that one section, the author managed to bring everything together beautifully in the end. The conclusion provided a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the overall subject matter. It was like a shining light at the end of a somewhat murky path. Despite the flaw in the middle, the strength of the conclusion made me overlook it to a certain extent and still appreciate the work as a whole.

Perhaps with a little rearrangement or clarification in that one section, this could have been an even more outstanding piece of writing. But as it stands, it still has a lot to offer and is definitely worth reading.
July 15,2025
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It was not what I expected.

On occasions, I struggle to understand Paz.

Paz is a complex individual, and her thoughts and actions often seem to be a mystery to me.

Sometimes, I feel as if I am on the verge of understanding her, only to have her say or do something that completely throws me off.

I have tried to get to know her better, to ask her questions and listen to her answers, but it seems that there is always more to her than meets the eye.

I am determined to keep trying, though, because I believe that there is something special about Paz that is worth uncovering.

Perhaps with time and patience, I will finally be able to understand her and form a deeper connection with her.

Until then, I will continue to struggle and do my best to make sense of her.
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