*Do you think that the scene with Maurice's grandfather adds to the narrative? I've mentioned the 'evening' theme which fits in with events later in the book, but can Maurice be said to have taken that in subconsciously and, moving away from his suicidal thoughts, somewhere his inner being is shifting him towards an inevitable meeting with 'fate' – is this what Forster is suggesting? It certainly sparks a cynical and rebellious note in Maurice. Even though he gives to charity, it's for preventative rather than rescue work. Why be kind to those who have chosen their lot in life? He's now disgusted by suicide. This says to me that his grandfather's death was merely a catalyst to drive Maurice forward.
*Do you think that, although he was not going to try and publish Maurice, he may have used this common feature of other books to confuse the readers of the time into believing that the usual fate awaited fictional gay men? No, it wouldn't have made a very good read. If you look at the other stories, those deaths were often the result of destructive lives, for homosexuality lead to all sorts of misconduct. Maurice offing himself just because his lover decided to become straight almost rings of martyrdom and that just wouldn't do. It's too noble and romantic a gesture, like a non-mutual Romeo and Juliet.
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Date: 2009-07-19 01:18 am (UTC)It certainly sparks a cynical and rebellious note in Maurice. Even though he gives to charity, it's for preventative rather than rescue work. Why be kind to those who have chosen their lot in life? He's now disgusted by suicide. This says to me that his grandfather's death was merely a catalyst to drive Maurice forward.
*Do you think that, although he was not going to try and publish Maurice, he may have used this common feature of other books to confuse the readers of the time into believing that the usual fate awaited fictional gay men?
No, it wouldn't have made a very good read. If you look at the other stories, those deaths were often the result of destructive lives, for homosexuality lead to all sorts of misconduct. Maurice offing himself just because his lover decided to become straight almost rings of martyrdom and that just wouldn't do. It's too noble and romantic a gesture, like a non-mutual Romeo and Juliet.