Really such a scandal?

In the humour for a bit of intrigue, I opted for the once-banned Lady Chatterley’s Lover for my festive read. Imagining the furor this novel caused when it was published possibly even more enjoyable than the book itself. Thus I have been drawn in pursuit of a choice selection of works that have emerged and drawn people for the juiciest of reasons - Scandal.

The Playboy of the Western World by J.M. Synge (1907)

The fuss: When Synge’s production was first staged at the Abbey Theatre, there were riots in the audience over the then explicit reference to "a drift of females standing in their shifts". Such heady stuff may have seemed too much for the turn of the century crowd. 

The penalty: Opening night was a bit of a flop and there was a continued rumbles down the line. But the play did enormously well and still stands today as a triumph of Irish theatre.

The verdict: In reality, it was more likely that some politico troublemakers in the audience just wanted to cause a scene rather than having any real complaint. Whether their complaint was politically driven or no, the image of a line of fair Irish ladies standing in their undergarments barely triggers a second glance.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence (1928)

The fuss: Lawrence took on the very brave task of not only writing from the perspective of a female on such an intimate subject as sex, but more so, challenging the titanic strength of prudish Britain. I'm reading this nearly 85 years after it was originally published and admit to the occasional blush at choice moments.

The penalty: The novel was not published in the UK for a good thirty-odd years after he originally produced it. So I guess that is a pretty firm win for prude Britannia. Since that time however, it has enjoyed substantial success and acclaim.

The verdict: Yes, this can still raise an eyebrow. And it has to be said that Lawrence often does hit the nail on the head (if you pardon the pun ;)) when it comes to describing the female experience. The strength in this novel extend much further than the themes so-objectionable 75 years ago. For a powerful read into the struggles of class, relationships and gender, I highly recommend.

Je t'aime...moi non plus by Serge Gainsbourg (1969)

The fuss: This is pretty saucy stuff. Even if one doesn't decipher the words, you can't but feel the two singers aren't discussing the stock market. In actual fact, the intimacy of these lyrics give Lawrence a run for his money. 

The penalty:  The song was censored or banned from public broadcast in numerous countries, and in France even the toned-down version was suppressed. Even the Vatican made a public statement citing the song as offensive. However, despite or perhaps because of all the controversy, it sold well and charted within the top ten in many European countries.

The verdict: Another piece of creativity you can't quite enjoy comfortably with your parents around...

So two out of three manage to raise a blush and a sheepish sideways glance on public transport (always a good barometer). All have worth beyond their scandalous allusions and are worthy of the acclaim they eventually received. One can't help wonder if Rihanna's onstage cavorting or Von Trier's explicit contributions will stand up in a similar way.