Homosexuality in Tom Stoppard’s The Invention of Love

Abstract

The present research study throws light on the obsessive sexuality of Housman for his class mate in Stoppard's play, The Invention of Love. The rigorous morality, suppression and exclusion of gays in that time and other cultural constraints compel Housman to remain silent and subdued. Victorian England, which had strong moral codes, strictly forbade the identities like gays and lesbians to express themselves. The then society was largely intolerant of peripheral sexuality like homosexuality. That is the reason Housman had to suppress his homosexual longing and his desire for social recognition as well as identity in the play. This pang, pathos and pride of Housman are examined in the light of Foucault's insight regarding homosexuality. Additionally Judith Butler Eva Kosovsky's concept about sexual construction is utilized to probe the issue at hand.

The origin of identity gay feelings can be traced down to childhood yet people may not be aware of homosexual feelings until after experiencing heterosexual relationships or marriages. The play revolves around the quest of Housman for his homosexual identity which was not acceptable in the society of that time. He makes an attempt to establish homosexual relation with his mate Moses Jackson with whom he is emotionally and physically attracted. But the society of that time used to accept heterosexual relations only. So, Housman’s desire and dream to be with his mate never gets unfulfilled.