The 120 Days of Sodom written by Marquis de Sade was completed in 1785. When de Sade was young, he was sent to live and be schooled by his uncle, Abbé de Sade, who was a libertine. Abbé’s influence on Marquis during his formative years is most likely what led to his own libertine lifestyle and writings. Marquis was arrested in 1777 for his abuse of prostitutes and accusations of poisoning. His mother-in-law worked behind the scenes and used her network to obtain a “lettre de cachet” which allowed for his imprisonment without a trial. While in prison Marquis began his manuscript of 120 Days of Sodom on a 39-foot-long scroll that he created from parchment he smuggled into his cell. He was transferred to Bastille in 1784, where he continued his work. After the storming of Bastille, Marquis believed his manuscript to be lost. However, it resurfaced in the early 20th century and was first published in 1904. When looking at the contents of 120 Days of Sodom it is extremely important to understand what was going on at the time it was written. The Ancien Régime was in full affect during this time period until the French revolution ultimately put it to an end. The Régime brought significant social, economic, and political tensions. These not only had a direct effect on Marquis’s life but also on the contents of his novels. Within 120 Days of Sodom there are themes that directly correlate to the happenings of the world during this time. It is also important to note the Church had a strong grip on society and Marquis’s criticisms on this topic can be seen throughout his novel, as he has his main cast of characters denounce the Church. Furthermore, it is important to note that some scenes included in the novel are things that Marquis himself did or took part in. Knowing the context around the text helps the reader take a deeper dive into the meaning and symbolism behind the novel.