Homosexuality in Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the sexual undertones of the two novels, showing the victorian preoccupation with homosexuality and expiation of sin. The paper shows how each novel explores homosexuality as a factor of its time and place in society. In Faulkner's novel, the idea of "coming out" as we know it is discussed, while James' novel mentions the fear and repression associated with homosexuality at the time.

From the Paper:

"In the late eighteenth century, notions of modesty and propriety meant that there were few ways in which sexuality could be discussed openly in a social setting. Gothic narrative served as an outlet. In Victorian Supernatural fiction, the anxieties surrounding homosexuality is a very prominent theme. However, due to the cultural status of homosexuality as taboo, the subject is heavily veiled in literature. In John Mead Faulkner's "The Lost Stradivarius," the story appears to be about a young man's obsession with a wonderful musical instrument and a particular piece of music. Through carefully disguised metaphor's, the story conveys pertinent information regarding the reception of homosexuality in England during the Victorian period. Similarly, Henry James' psychological tale, "The Turn of the Screw" subtly deals with homosexuality as taboo, and elucidates the repercussions of sexual deviance in children."

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