The Deployment of Bottom Power and the Aura of Sexuality in Historical and Literary Perspectives

Sex and its symbols invoke different feelings in people depending on their sexual orientation and the context of reference. This essay examines the universal lure and use of sex and ‘bottom power' in human society. It specifically presents the daring use of ‘bottom power' and human sexuality in history, classical and Biblical times and in three contemporary Nigerian novels. The essay is predicated on the Nigerian English concept of ‘bottom power' and the social exchange theory for the explanation of human sexuality. It is a basic qualitative work which used library and Internet sources, critical thinking, keen observation of the deployment of bottom power in human society as well as excerpts from classical works, the Bible, ancient history, Ojaide's Matters of the Moment, Okediran's Tenants of the House, and Jonah's The Trial of Sin. The essay established that human beings employ bottom power and sexuality to eke out a living and/or improve their social status, lubricate the social wheel and wield influence in society and complicate the chain and flow of life events. It concludes that bottom power users do face the pros and cons of the habit and social game. The selfish use of bottom power for socio-economic gains often undermines principles, quality and merit.