Sexuality vs. Society

In reading Halprin's explanation of the history of human sexuality, or the lack there of, I feel I am better understanding the character of Maurice, and his struggle. Given the time period he lived in, he was forced to choose between placing value in himself versus accepting the values and moral outlines forced upon him by society, a choice that he shouldn't have to make given than ones' sexuality, and sexual preferences, are personal, individual, and which may often engraved in our genetic make up.

As explained by Halprin, however, sexuality as we view it in today's terms, did not exist separately from social class, economics, or politics in ancient times, nor does it in Maurice. Men of Maurice's social class of "gentlemen" are expected to live, act, behave, marry, procreate, and even worship according to social ideals, and anything varying from the perceived standard goes beyond being immoral to criminal. For this reason, his homosexuality is an outward rejection of his society, and his religion, although unintentional at first. His final acceptance of his true sexuality, although a long internal battle, is a liberation of himself and an outward expression of truth and ethics in his own life. The theme of this being that individual identity, including sexuality, makes up social identity as a whole, and therefore we must hold more value in our own "inner light" in order to shine through the darkness of society.

In the quote by Maurice Godelier (the name is quite the coincidence), Halprin reiterates that "it is not sexuality which haunts society, but society which haunts the body's sexuality." Within the framework of the novel, I would interpret this to quote to suggest that it is the numb social construction of England which causes confusion for Maurice, who truly intends only to follow his heart in love. Without social pressures, such as the instance of his teacher Mr Ducie trying to "put him on track" by explaining that the sexual union of male and female (not another male) is what is "right with the world" and "wonderful", it could have been possible for Maurice to initially feel comfortable with his sexuality and sexual desires, rather that viewing himself as disgusting and dirty for loving another human being.

In my opinion, especially in the viewing of the movie, what I found to be disgusting is the self loathing Maurice had to suffer through in his attempt to live up to his society's ideals. The thought of the hatred and torment that Maurice felt, during a period in his life where he was in love and should have been overflowing with happiness, is what put a knot in my stomach. Why should one care so much about how he is viewed by society when society only turns it's head to gawk or condemn, but never to accept and embrace?