This extract explores a lack of change in attitudes towards men and sexuality arising from people not being open to new ideas. When Graves tells rivers about their old friend being homosexual Graves uses the words, “disgusting” and “abominable”. This clearly illustrates how homosexuals have been ruled out of society and are not even truly considered human when all they have is a different view on life. This links into how the punishment for homosexuality is, “prison” which seems very drastic for such a small and harmless change in preference of gender. This very serious punishment goes to show how society is worried by these changes in people and instead of accepting it they try to cut it out which explores how attitudes were very inflexible.
Rivers talks about there being a, “German black book.” The colour black represents evil and destruction which could explore how society at this time believed different views to be something that may destroy all that they were taught by the older generations. Just the fact that there is a book containing all the homosexuals it again shows how society is unwilling to open up to these people and accept them for who they are. This represents how being a man and following all the expectations of being strong, courageous and interested in women was a very important factor and it was one that society was unwilling to change or even modify so that some exceptions were accepted.
At one point Sassoon says to Rivers, “Relax, Rivers, I’m not eminent.” The fact that Rivers seems worried by the prospect of Sassoon maybe being a homosexual himself clearly shows how people as understanding and caring as Rivers towards his patients are still not open to such radical changes in their attitudes to sexuality which if Rivers can’t we can only imagine how much other, less caring, people would be reluctant to change their views. People who didn’t live within the clear set out boundaries and ways to live their lives were considered outcasts and were shunned by society.
1 comment:
Thomas,
You make some interesting points with regards to acceptance within society and the fear with which people were behaving towards any different representations of masculinity.
"Eminent" means high in status and it is suggested earlier in the novel that Rivers knows about Sassoon's sexuality but does not make it the focus of his therapy as he is accepting. He is worried however, for the safety of Sassoon and the uncompromising and principled way he makes decisions. Perhaps he more worries about what will happen to Sassoon if he is found out and that not only will he be punished but his Declaration will be regarded and null and void because of society's prejudices.
Post a Comment