Sexual identity is a key component of human nature and is reflected in many aspects of life, including literature. In times of political turmoil or social change, writers often use their works to explore this aspect of personal experience. This essay will discuss how some novels have explored sexual identity in relation to historical events that caused upheaval or disruption. Specifically, it will focus on three examples from different time periods: "The Catcher in the Rye" (1951) by JD Salinger, "Brokeback Mountain" (2005) by Annie Proulx, and "Call Me By Your Name" (2017) by André Aciman.
The Catcher in the Rye - Holden Caulfield's Sexual Identity Crisis
Holden Caulfield, the main character of "The Catcher in the Rye," experiences several crises throughout the novel. One such crisis involves his struggle with sexual identity. He has not yet had any sexual encounters but desires them, and he struggles to understand his own feelings about sex.
He describes himself as feeling "kind of sexy" when he sees an older woman who resembles his mother wearing a red coat.
His interest in sex is also tied to his fear of growing up and becoming like his older brother D.B., whom he believes has become too materialistic and superficial. When Holden is forced to leave Pencey prep school due to poor grades, he feels ashamed and confused about his future. This shame leads him into a downward spiral of depression and self-destruction.
Brokeback Mountain - Ennis Del Mar's Struggle with Heteronormativity
Ennis Del Mar, the protagonist of "Brokeback Mountain," faces many challenges related to his sexuality. Set in the 1960s and 1980s during the height of the civil rights movement, the story explores the difficulties that gay men faced at the time. Ennis is deeply closeted and afraid to come out because of societal expectations and legal persecution. Despite this, he falls in love with Jack Twist, another ranch hand, and they begin a secret affair that lasts for years. Their relationship is fraught with tension as they try to balance their desire for each other against societal pressures to conform. In one scene, Jack says, "It ain't easy bein' a faggot." The novel shows how even though progress was being made for racial minorities, it was not yet available for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Call Me By Your Name - Elio Perlman's Exploration of His Sexual Identity
"Call Me By Your Name" takes place in Italy in the summer of 1987, when Elio Perlman is 17 years old. He meets Oliver, an American graduate student who comes to work on his father's research project. They fall in love and have a brief but passionate romance.
After Oliver returns home to America, Elio struggles to understand what their relationship meant and whether or not it could ever continue. As he reflects on his experience, he realizes that he has never felt more alive than when he was with Oliver. This moment of self-discovery allows him to explore his sexuality without shame or fear. The book addresses the struggle many young people face as they come into their own sexual identities and the importance of acceptance.
How do novels depict sexual identity development during periods of social unrest?
Novels often depict complex characters who experience various challenges related to their sexual identities as they navigate through times of social unrest. The author may use these characters to explore themes such as identity formation, gender roles, cultural norms, family dynamics, and the broader political climate.