Assignment #1

In a 3-page argumentative essay (double-spaced, typed), address one of the following prompts:

1. In “Is There a History of Sexuality?” David M. Halperin suggests that there is nothing “natural” about sexuality, and that it is a socially and historically determined construct. Following his line of argument, we could also say that gender norms within a given culture are social constructs. Select only one scene from Forster’s novel Maurice and examine it closely. Think about the relationship between gender, social power and sexual expression in that scene (i.e., what type of speech, action, or expression is permissible?). To what extent does that scene support Halperin’s view (via Foucault) of sexuality as “set of effects produced in bodies, behaviors, and social relations” enacted through “a complex political technology,” rather than as a “natural fact” (416). In other words, does Forster’s work seem to support the idea that sexuality and gender norms are socially constructed?

2. Compare the same or similar scenes from Forster’s novel Maurice (written 1913-14) and the 1987 Merchant/Ivory film production of the novel. Pick only one scene. Think about what omissions or additions were made to that scene in the film version, and what decisions by directors and producers may have led to these differences (the time it was made, etc.). To what extent do these additions or omissions in the film offer a different view of gender and sexuality than the book? (For instance, to what extent does the film heighten or subdue Maurice or Clive’s dilemma about “masculinity” in the scenes with Ann, Clive’s wife?) How does the film version alter or complicate our reading of the book?

3. What is the function of Greek culture (whether Clive’s classical studies, the students’ reading of Plato, or Clive’s visit to Greece) in relationship to the way gender and sexuality are constructed in either the film or novel version of Maurice?

• a fresh title strongly indicating the essay’s content
• a clear thesis statement in the introduction, including a “what” and a “so what”
• analytical points directly related to the thesis, arranged in body paragraphs
• a topic sentence at the beginning of each body paragraph (or a VERY compelling reason for putting it elsewhere)
• textual support for every textual claim
• deft integration of quotations
• correct citation of outside sources (these sources include handouts from class).

Essay Due Date: Tuesday, February 13: almost Valentine’s Day!
Put your name, course #, and assignment # in the heading.