Aphrodisiac Cruelties Summary

Highlighted in this chapter is the profession of sheep shearing, performed in the time of Allende's grandfather. During the shearing season, men would come from surrounding areas to help with the shearing duties. This was also the time when young bucks were identified for breeding or castrated to continue as wool and meat producers. Allende heard stories about the testicles from castrated sheep being roasted and consumed during the evening meal, along with meat from slaughtered animals. She discusses the practice of eating animal testicles and wearing testicles as amulets as it has existed in many cultures throughout history.

From that discussion, she considers the importance that humanity typically attributes to the male sexual organs. She reminds readers of the story of John Wayne Bobbitt whose wife, after suffering through considerable violence and abuse, cut off his penis while he was...