The Professor of Desire

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1977, Philip Roth's "The Professor of Desire" explores themes of sexual freedom, identity, and personal ambition through the life of its protagonist, David Kepesh. The book is part of the Kepesh trilogy and continues Roth's examination of the complex interplay between personal desires and societal norms. The novel's cultural impact lies in its honest and often provocative approach to themes of sexuality and self-definition, characteristic of the literature of that era. Roth, as in his other works, employs autobiographical elements to create a profound psychological portrait of his protagonist, making the book a significant part of his literary legacy and an important contribution to late 20th-century American literature.