In the introduction, we know that the main character Lee is currently going through withdrawal, what is it about Allerton that makes him an attractive "audience" for Lee when there seem to be many others out there?
In “Desire and the Black Masseur,” the relationship between Burns and the black masseur is not for a purely sexual gain. Instead, they have a symbiotic relationship in which they ultimately both get what they want. In Queer, Lee feels a sexual attraction to those who find him strange. Why is it that Lee is attracted to outwardly heterosexual men opposed to those who are outwardly “queer” like Dumé of the Green Lantern boys or Guidry?
It is mentioned in the introduction that a person going through withdrawls "is subject to the emotional excesses of a child or an adolescent" (xiii). What might this have to do with lee's search for an appropriate sexual partner? How can it be related to his desperate need for attention and clinginess? What about the constant descriptions of people's eyes?
Lee's hunt for a partner, whether a sexual one or sexul but also spiritual, is quite fanatic. He does seem to know a lot of people and have had a lot of sexual experiences. Why is it that he is so attracted to Allerton, who appears to be not quite queer? And as Allerton tries to distance himself from Lee, Lee's desire for Allerton becomes stronger rather than weaker. Is is because he is truly in love with him, or he just wants what he couldn't get?
What is Lee's true objective? Is it a physical relationship with Allerton or merely to have him as a person to keep in touch with and converse with? Furthermore, Lee sees that there is some sort of relationship between Allerton and Mary after they exchange their "lover code" at the bar; however, continues to chase after Allerton. Why does he continue this chase after an individual who does not seem to be "queer?"
Lee is accused by one of his friends to be a fake "queer" in which Lee denies. But Lee is attracted to Allerton who in my eyes has many female characteristics, why is Lee so attracted to Allerton? Is it possible that Lee is just faking it to fit in? Is the author trying to portray something about people and belonging to groups? What is it?
In the novella Lee makes it clear that he is dealing with withdrawal. Much like the characters from the other stories we have read, Lee resorts to sex and relationships to deal with his issues. Why do you think that Lee chose this coping mechanism to deal with his withdrawal?
Lee seems to prefer searching for sex and relationships with men who are seemingly not queer, while acting less interested in men who are queer. Explain how his search for love may be more of a search for acceptance. Also, how might his struggle with withdrawal heighten his insecurity and paranoia, creating an even stronger hunger for acceptance?
In "Queer," Lee constantly mentions his ideal image, or desired shape or description, objects he encounters. Does this idealistic, descriptive nature serve to reveal some deeper insight into Lee's character? Does it lead to any deeper insight into how the ideal differs from reality?
Why does the author depict or portray Lee and each of the other queer men he meets in such a masculine manner? Is the author suggesting overly masculine men are actually gay? Is Lee's drinking one way he deals with the emptiness of not having a special someone or does he just like to drink? Is Lee searching for a permanent lover or just someone who understands him?
Does anyone see the significance of setting this story in Mexico? All of the texts we have studied thus far in this class have taken place in either the US or in Soviet Russia; the two countries that the Cold War was between. How do you explain Burrough's decision to set the story in Mexico and how does a story from Mexico relate back to this course and the Cold War?
It seems like in every other paragraph of "Queer," one character or another is having a drink. It seems as if the author almost goes out of his way to tell you every occasion someone gets a drink. Is it simply Burroughs creating a setting for the reader or is he doing something more, such as trying to show how degenerate Lee's life has become?
Burroughs has written the first two chapters in such a way that Lee is constantly going to bars and restaurants. We are given hardly any information about his home, work, or life outside of being homosexual. In the third chapter, Burroughs gives us a little about Lee's life outside of his social life. Why did Burroughs do this? What effect does this create on the reader?
Why does Lee continue to pursue Allerton, even when Allerton is clearly trying to show Lee that he is not interested anymore? I think Lee thinks he has a real connection with him, and is also getting jealous of Mary. But why is he so fixed on him, when there are plenty of other people that he seems to like, but they just come and go. Also, what is the significance of the scene at the end with Gus? Will this be important later on? Why is it in the story?
Question from Rebecca Sai: One thing that I would like to focus on is the frequent usage of the word "Queer" often, many of the gay men would often refer to themselves as queer, even saying things like, "you're just as queer as I am." Why doesn't the word "queer" in the book have a negative connotation? 2. How well does Lee's life represent the gay mans reality as of today? -Rebecca Sai
How is Lee's lack of drug use related to how he is openly searching for "queer" love? How does Burroughs putting Lee in Mexico City with other "out of place" expatriates enhance Lee has a character and show his position in society?
In the back of the book, Burroughs wrote an introduction to his story. He states, "I feel as though I was being written in Queer." The narrative in this book is very straightforward, how does this convey Burroughs as a writer and how does he use this writing form to make the main character, Lee, his literary alter ego?
On page 15, Moor talked about his health issues. Clearly, Lee wished to start a relationship with Moor, then why did Lee seem so uninterested of Moor's health? Did it has to do with Lee's ignorance on death?
What caused Allerton's sudden change in attitude towards Lee? Was it that the money Lee spent on him made him feel cheapened, or was he just experimenting initially?
At the bar, Lee attempts to interest Allerton and Mary with his knowledge about chess and his past experiences. What is the significance of these monologues that Lee gives about his past? Why was it such a routine?
Similar to Anthony Burns, Lee seems to be searching for something. Also, both of them seem to have an obsession with something (or someone) who is not necessarily good for them, Anthony Burns getting injured, and Lee chasing someone who is no longer interested. What is it about these characters that pulls them towards something like this? What is it about Lee's nature that makes him obsess over something he can't have?
Do the frustrations that build up in Lee from his growing sexual desires and inability to feed them correspond to the growing tensions between countries during the cold war? It seems every queer in this novel is labels the people around them them as queer or queerer than them. What is the greater meaning in people trying to label or categorize others?
In chapter 3, Lee recalls when he discovered he was a "homosexual," but he reflects on it in a negative light. He calls himself a "pervert" and "subhuman." How does this reflect Lee's psychological health throughout the duration of the novel? Is he merely poking fun at his situation, or do his words reflect a deeper issue with his self-identity?
There is mention of a bar scene, drunken composure, and actual alcoholic drinks throughout the first half of the book. What does this suggest about Lee's character and/or the way he deals with is homosexuality?
It is stated in the bar scene that Lee is uncomfortable with the way he reveals to others about his homosexuality because he is afraid to repeat himself when the other person does not hear him correctly. Is this suggesting that Lee is still uncertain and uncomfortable about his sexuality since he quickly changes the subject when such situation occurs.
What is the significance of Lee's dream about his past? What does it say about his relationship with Allerton? Does he protray himself as a father figure to Allerton or is he merely crying for attention?
In the introduction, we know that the main character Lee is currently going through withdrawal, what is it about Allerton that makes him an attractive "audience" for Lee when there seem to be many others out there?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIn “Desire and the Black Masseur,” the relationship between Burns and the black masseur is not for a purely sexual gain. Instead, they have a symbiotic relationship in which they ultimately both get what they want. In Queer, Lee feels a sexual attraction to those who find him strange. Why is it that Lee is attracted to outwardly heterosexual men opposed to those who are outwardly “queer” like Dumé of the Green Lantern boys or Guidry?
ReplyDeleteIt is mentioned in the introduction that a person going through withdrawls "is subject to the emotional excesses of a child or an adolescent" (xiii). What might this have to do with lee's search for an appropriate sexual partner? How can it be related to his desperate need for attention and clinginess? What about the constant descriptions of people's eyes?
ReplyDeleteLee's hunt for a partner, whether a sexual one or sexul but also spiritual, is quite fanatic. He does seem to know a lot of people and have had a lot of sexual experiences. Why is it that he is so attracted to Allerton, who appears to be not quite queer? And as Allerton tries to distance himself from Lee, Lee's desire for Allerton becomes stronger rather than weaker. Is is because he is truly in love with him, or he just wants what he couldn't get?
ReplyDeleteWhat is Lee's true objective? Is it a physical relationship with Allerton or merely to have him as a person to keep in touch with and converse with? Furthermore, Lee sees that there is some sort of relationship between Allerton and Mary after they exchange their "lover code" at the bar; however, continues to chase after Allerton. Why does he continue this chase after an individual who does not seem to be "queer?"
ReplyDeleteLee is accused by one of his friends to be a fake "queer" in which Lee denies. But Lee is attracted to Allerton who in my eyes has many female characteristics, why is Lee so attracted to Allerton? Is it possible that Lee is just faking it to fit in? Is the author trying to portray something about people and belonging to groups? What is it?
ReplyDeleteIn the novella Lee makes it clear that he is dealing with withdrawal. Much like the characters from the other stories we have read, Lee resorts to sex and relationships to deal with his issues. Why do you think that Lee chose this coping mechanism to deal with his withdrawal?
ReplyDeleteLee seems to prefer searching for sex and relationships with men who are seemingly not queer, while acting less interested in men who are queer. Explain how his search for love may be more of a search for acceptance. Also, how might his struggle with withdrawal heighten his insecurity and paranoia, creating an even stronger hunger for acceptance?
ReplyDeleteIn "Queer," Lee constantly mentions his ideal image, or desired shape or description, objects he encounters. Does this idealistic, descriptive nature serve to reveal some deeper insight into Lee's character? Does it lead to any deeper insight into how the ideal differs from reality?
ReplyDelete*of objects
DeleteSorry, typo.
Why does the author depict or portray Lee and each of the other queer men he meets in such a masculine manner? Is the author suggesting overly masculine men are actually gay? Is Lee's drinking one way he deals with the emptiness of not having a special someone or does he just like to drink? Is Lee searching for a permanent lover or just someone who understands him?
ReplyDeleteHow does the description of Moor contradict itself? What message does Burroughs send by these conflicting descriptions?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone see the significance of setting this story in Mexico? All of the texts we have studied thus far in this class have taken place in either the US or in Soviet Russia; the two countries that the Cold War was between. How do you explain Burrough's decision to set the story in Mexico and how does a story from Mexico relate back to this course and the Cold War?
ReplyDeleteIt seems like in every other paragraph of "Queer," one character or another is having a drink. It seems as if the author almost goes out of his way to tell you every occasion someone gets a drink. Is it simply Burroughs creating a setting for the reader or is he doing something more, such as trying to show how degenerate Lee's life has become?
ReplyDeleteBurroughs has written the first two chapters in such a way that Lee is constantly going to bars and restaurants. We are given hardly any information about his home, work, or life outside of being homosexual. In the third chapter, Burroughs gives us a little about Lee's life outside of his social life. Why did Burroughs do this? What effect does this create on the reader?
ReplyDeletetest
Why does Lee continue to pursue Allerton, even when Allerton is clearly trying to show Lee that he is not interested anymore? I think Lee thinks he has a real connection with him, and is also getting jealous of Mary. But why is he so fixed on him, when there are plenty of other people that he seems to like, but they just come and go. Also, what is the significance of the scene at the end with Gus? Will this be important later on? Why is it in the story?
ReplyDeleteQuestion from Rebecca Sai: One thing that I would like to focus on is the frequent usage of the word "Queer" often, many of the gay men would often refer to themselves as queer, even saying things like, "you're just as queer as I am." Why doesn't the word "queer" in the book have a negative connotation? 2. How well does Lee's life represent the gay mans reality as of today?
ReplyDelete-Rebecca Sai
How is Lee's lack of drug use related to how he is openly searching for "queer" love? How does Burroughs putting Lee in Mexico City with other "out of place" expatriates enhance Lee has a character and show his position in society?
ReplyDeleteIn the back of the book, Burroughs wrote an introduction to his story. He states, "I feel as though I was being written in Queer." The narrative in this book is very straightforward, how does this convey Burroughs as a writer and how does he use this writing form to make the main character, Lee, his literary alter ego?
ReplyDeleteOn page 15, Moor talked about his health issues. Clearly, Lee wished to start a relationship with Moor, then why did Lee seem so uninterested of Moor's health? Did it has to do with Lee's ignorance on death?
ReplyDeleteWhat caused Allerton's sudden change in attitude towards Lee? Was it that the money Lee spent on him made him feel cheapened, or was he just experimenting initially?
ReplyDeleteAt the bar, Lee attempts to interest Allerton and Mary with his knowledge about chess and his past experiences. What is the significance of these monologues that Lee gives about his past? Why was it such a routine?
ReplyDeleteSimilar to Anthony Burns, Lee seems to be searching for something. Also, both of them seem to have an obsession with something (or someone) who is not necessarily good for them, Anthony Burns getting injured, and Lee chasing someone who is no longer interested. What is it about these characters that pulls them towards something like this? What is it about Lee's nature that makes him obsess over something he can't have?
ReplyDeleteDo the frustrations that build up in Lee from his growing sexual desires and inability to feed them correspond to the growing tensions between countries during the cold war? It seems every queer in this novel is labels the people around them them as queer or queerer than them. What is the greater meaning in people trying to label or categorize others?
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 3, Lee recalls when he discovered he was a "homosexual," but he reflects on it in a negative light. He calls himself a "pervert" and "subhuman." How does this reflect Lee's psychological health throughout the duration of the novel? Is he merely poking fun at his situation, or do his words reflect a deeper issue with his self-identity?
ReplyDeleteThere is mention of a bar scene, drunken composure, and actual alcoholic drinks throughout the first half of the book. What does this suggest about Lee's character and/or the way he deals with is homosexuality?
ReplyDeleteIt is stated in the bar scene that Lee is uncomfortable with the way he reveals to others about his homosexuality because he is afraid to repeat himself when the other person does not hear him correctly. Is this suggesting that Lee is still uncertain and uncomfortable about his sexuality since he quickly changes the subject when such situation occurs.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the significance of Lee's dream about his past? What does it say about his relationship with Allerton? Does he protray himself as a father figure to Allerton or is he merely crying for attention?
ReplyDelete