Well, 'Miss Julie' by August Strindberg is a well - known one. It's a play that has themes related to class and sexuality, and there are elements that touch on prostitution - like situations. The interactions between the characters show the power dynamics that could be associated with such a profession.
Another is 'Moll Flanders' by Daniel Defoe. While not solely about prostitution, the main character, Moll, has experiences related to it as she struggles through different situations in life, which gives insights into the social context of the time regarding such activities.
Yes, there are some books that explore the topic of prostitution based on true stories. For example, 'Half the Sky' by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn touches on the issue of sex trafficking, which is related to prostitution in some aspects. It tells real - life stories of women who have been victims of such exploitation, aiming to raise awareness about the situation.
Prostitution - related stories are often complex and may involve themes that are not suitable for promotion. However, some classic works that touch on the darker aspects of society, like 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo, which briefly shows the plight of those in desperate situations including some elements related to prostitution in the context of a larger social commentary.
One common theme is the exploitation of the vulnerable. In such fictional stories, the characters involved in prostitution are often shown as being taken advantage of by those in power, whether it's pimps or clients. Another theme could be the search for redemption. Some characters might be trying to break free from the cycle of prostitution and find a new life.
One book could be 'Trafficking: A Memoir of a Sex Worker' which provides a personal account. It can be useful for understanding the perspective of someone directly involved in prostitution.
I think you need to handle this topic very carefully. It's a sensitive issue, and you should approach it with respect and without glorifying or trivializing it.
In 'Nana' by Émile Zola, the main character Nana becomes a courtesan. Zola uses her story to explore the decadence of French society during that period, showing the complex web of relationships and power dynamics involved with prostitution in that context. However, these works are not promoting prostitution but rather using it as a means to comment on society.
In prostitution stories, the sadness often stems from a loss of self - worth. Society views prostitution as immoral in many cases, and this view is internalized by the prostitutes themselves. They start to feel like they are worthless, which is a very sad state of affairs. Drug addiction also plays a role in some cases. Prostitutes may turn to drugs to numb the pain of their situation, which further deteriorates their lives. Mental health issues are common as well. The stress, trauma, and continuous degradation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders, all contributing to the overall sadness in their stories.
One common theme is the struggle for survival. Prostitutes in historical fiction often have to fight to stay alive in a harsh world. Another theme is the loss of innocence. Many stories show how young women enter prostitution and gradually lose their innocence due to the difficult circumstances. Also, the theme of social outcast is prevalent. Prostitutes are usually seen as outcasts in society, and historical fictions often explore how they deal with this status.