Meaning: The quote in question is by Thom Gunn, a renowned British poet. In this quote, Gunn is expressing his perspective on the poetry of John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester. Gunn begins by acknowledging that Rochester portrayed himself as bisexual in his poetry, but he suggests that this portrayal may have been primarily for the purpose of shocking his audience. Gunn then goes on to characterize Rochester's poetry as predominantly sexual, even bordering on the pornographic.

John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester, was a prominent figure in the literary and social circles of Restoration England. He was known for his wit, debauchery, and libertine lifestyle, which often found expression in his poetry. Rochester's works were indeed marked by their explicit and provocative treatment of sexual themes, and his verses often pushed the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable in the society of his time.

Thom Gunn's assessment of Rochester's poetry as being "sexual, even pornographic" reflects a common interpretation of Rochester's literary output. Many scholars and critics have grappled with the explicit nature of Rochester's writings and the motivations behind them. Some have viewed his work as a deliberate challenge to the moral and social norms of his era, while others have seen it as a reflection of his personal experiences and desires.

Gunn's assertion that Rochester may have portrayed himself as bisexual "only to shock" raises an intriguing point about the intersection of art, identity, and provocation. It suggests that Rochester's exploration of bisexuality in his poetry may have been a deliberate attempt to scandalize or provoke a reaction, rather than a genuine expression of his sexual orientation. This interpretation invites further examination of the ways in which artists use their work to challenge, subvert, or manipulate societal expectations and perceptions.

It is worth noting that Thom Gunn himself was a poet known for his exploration of themes related to sexuality and identity. As an openly gay writer, Gunn's perspective on Rochester's work may have been informed by his own experiences and understanding of the complexities surrounding sexual expression in literature. His commentary on Rochester's poetry can be seen in the context of ongoing conversations about the representation of sexuality in art and the ways in which artists navigate the boundaries of acceptability and transgression.

In conclusion, Thom Gunn's quote offers a thought-provoking insight into the provocative and explicit nature of John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester's poetry. It invites us to consider the motivations behind Rochester's portrayal of bisexuality and the boundaries he sought to push with his sexual and often pornographic themes. Additionally, it prompts us to reflect on the role of shock, provocation, and personal identity in artistic expression, as well as the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary literary discourse.