Exploring LGBTQ+ themes in classic literature

July 2024 By Margo, IT Research LLC

Guest writer Margo explores the cultural history of queer literature from ancient times to the modern day and highlights the IOS novel app. Classic literature, from ancient Greece to the great masters of writing in modern-day languages, is often revered for its timelessness and depth, holding within it layers of meaning that reflect the complexities of human experience. Among these layers are LGBTQ+ themes, which, because of societal constraints, had to be subtly interwoven into the narratives.

Eras and themes

Early examples of LGBTQ+ themes

In ancient literature, such as Plato's dialogues, the concept of love transcends conventional gender binaries such as between a man and a woman, suggesting a fluidity that challenges rigid norms. Similarly, in Shakespearean plays like 'Twelfth Night', gender ambiguity and same-sex attraction are explored through disguised identities, showcasing a playful yet poignant commentary on desire.

The Victorian era and suppressed desires

The Victorian era in the English-speaking world was, marked by strict moral codes, paradoxically produced literature that subtly addressed LGBTQ+ themes. Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' examines aestheticism and hidden desires, while his plays like 'The Importance of Being Earnest' tease with gender role subversion. These works navigate the tension between societal conformity and personal authenticity, echoing the struggle of LGBTQ+ individuals to assert their identities.

Modernist and postmodernist explorations

In the early 20th century, modernist writers like Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster grappled with queer themes in their works. Woolf's 'Orlando' challenges temporal and gender boundaries, blurring the lines between male and female identities across centuries. Forster's 'Maurice', though published posthumously due to its explicit depiction of homosexuality, courageously portrays the romantic relationship between two men in Edwardian England, highlighting the clandestine nature of queer love during that period.

Contemporary reinterpretations

Contemporary reinterpretations of classic texts often emphasise and amplify LGBTQ+ themes that were previously subdued or overlooked. Jeanette Winterson's 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' critiques societal expectations through the lens of a lesbian protagonist, navigating the complexities of faith, family, and sexual identity in 1980s Britain.

The veiled nature of LGBTQ+ representation

In works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, LGBTQ+ themes were frequently masked by metaphor, subtext, and symbolism. For instance, in Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' the relationships between male characters hint at homoerotic undertones. Wilde, who was openly gay in a repressive Victorian society, used the novel to subtly critique societal norms and explore the complexities of identity and desire. Similarly, Herman Melville's 'Moby-Dick' can be read through a queer lens, particularly in the intimate relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg, which defies the conventions of their time.

The role of friendship and companionship

Classic literature often masks deeper relationships beneath the veneer of friendship. In 'Moby-Dick', the bond between Ishmael and Queequeg transcends conventional boundaries. Their companionship aboard the Pequod is laden with intimacy and mutual dependence, hinting at a deeper emotional connection that defies easy categorisation.

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, particularly the dynamics between Holmes and Watson, have sparked endless speculation. Though Doyle’s text never explicitly confirms a romantic relationship, the duo’s profound bond and shared adventures evoke a partnership that extends beyond mere friendship, leaving room for interpretation and reinterpretation.

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Societal constraints and personal struggles

Thomas Mann’s 'Death in Venice' portrays the central character’s Gustav von Aschenbach’s forbidden desire for Tadzio. Mann's depiction of Aschenbach's internal torment critiques early 20th-century Europe's repressive attitudes toward homosexuality. The novel's tragic conclusion underscores the destructive power of societal constraints on personal desires.

Radclyffe Hall’s 'The Well of Loneliness' presents the harrowing life of Stephen Gordon, a lesbian woman condemned by society for her sexuality. Though controversial and banned in several countries, Hall's novel brought attention to the plight of the LGBTQ+ communities and advocated for the right to love freely.

Unveiling identity and self-discovery

One of the recurring motifs in classic literature is the journey towards self-discovery, often paralleling the exploration of sexual and gender identity. In Virginia Woolf’s "Orlando," the protagonist undergoes a fantastical transformation across centuries, experiencing life as both male and female. This exploration not only challenges conventional gender roles but also suggests fluidity in identity that transcends temporal and societal boundaries.

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Love and its boundaries

Love, a central theme in literature, transcends conventional boundaries in LGBTQ+ narratives. Emily Dickinson’s poetry, though not openly discussing her own sexuality, often delves into themes of passionate longing and intimacy that defy normative expectations. Dickinson’s works, while steeped in 19th-century sensibilities, subtly challenge the reader to reconsider the boundaries of love and desire.

Rebellion and nonconformity

Many LGBTQ+ characters in classic literature embody a spirit of rebellion against societal norms and expectations. In Herman Melville’s 'Moby-Dick', the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg, though not explicitly romantic, portrays a deep bond that defies cultural and racial barriers. Their comradeship aboard the Pequod symbolises a rejection of societal prejudices, echoing themes of camaraderie and acceptance beyond the confines of heteronormative frameworks.

Literary imagery and symbolism

Symbols and imagery in classic literature often convey deeper meanings related to LGBTQ+ themes. In Walt Whitman’s 'Leaves of Grass', the celebration of the human body and the ecstatic embrace of nature blur boundaries between masculinity and femininity, suggesting a poetic exploration of 'queer identity' before the term was coined. Whitman’s visionary verses resonate with a liberation of the self, embracing sensuality and the interconnectedness of all beings.

The impact of societal context on LGBTQ+ themes

The societal context in which these works were created significantly influenced how LGBTQ+ themes were presented. In societies where homosexuality was criminalised or heavily stigmatised, authors resorted to subtlety and coded language. For instance, Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' contains numerous poems that celebrate male-male affection, yet the language used is often ambiguous enough to avoid outright condemnation.

In contrast, classical works from more permissive societies, such as Ancient Greece, were more open in their exploration of same-sex relationships. Plato's Symposium', for instance, includes discussions of love between men as a noble and intellectual pursuit. Similarly, the poetry of Sappho, though fragmented, is celebrated for its direct and passionate expression of love for women.

Conclusion

The representation of LGBTQ+ themes in literature has evolved significantly over the centuries. From the coded messages and veiled references of the past to the more explicit and diverse portrayals in contemporary works, literature has mirrored the changing attitudes towards gender and sexual identity. Modern authors have built upon the foundations laid by their predecessors, creating works that openly explore and celebrate LGBTQ+ experiences.