Here re some discussion questions for _Queer_. Please add yours to the list below. And remember, we will be returning to "Pkhentz" at the beginning of class, so feel free to add to or modify the questions you posted on Thursday.
- How does Burroughs distinguish himself as author from the somewhat autobiographical hero of his novel? (xii-xvi)
- What is the unmentioned event that “[motivates] and [forms]” Queer? (xviii) How does it seep into the text?
-What is the nature of time in Queer? Close-read pp. 18-19.
- What is the role of the “exotic” and how does it bind desire to racial alterity or otherness?
An interesting thing i have found while reading 'queer' is that the author portrays the gay scene in mexico city as something that is very natural and accepted, to what extent is that a legitimate claim? and the introduction discusses a need for attention and an audience from Lee, why would the author make Allerton aware that this was Lee's intention right off the bat?
ReplyDeleteSomething interesting to consider for the rest of this novel is the goal of the framework for this story, and to ask ourselves why Burroughs seems largely unconcerned with the specific timeline within the novel, and how this structure can relate to the superimposing of his own experiences on the novel.
ReplyDeleteIn the introduction, Burroughs makes the claim that while he was writing Queer he wasn't sure why he would do such a thing: put himself through the pain to chronicle unpleasant memories. He felt as if he had control over writing Junky but he was rather being written in Queer. He mentions control and possession numerous times, what about his wife's death led to his desire for attention, as he seeks in Allerton, but his need to escape from possession?
ReplyDeleteIn the introduction, Burroughs talks about how he bought a Scout knife in Quito and this image of a knife appears again in Chapter 2. However, there is not much mentioned about the knife except that Burroughs says that he began tearing up as he took it to get sharpened--how is this image important to the story and how does it affect the Lee's emotions as it did for Burroughs?
ReplyDeleteRead the last part, italic one, in introduction. What does it represents? Are those just really good sentences that he wanted to put together or something else?
ReplyDeleteMoor, in the beginning of the story, treats Lee in a superficial and disrespectful way such that he cuts away from Lee the first time, but ironically, Lee left Moor the second time finding him annoying. What is Burroughs trying to suggest about humanity?
ReplyDeleteLee seems to be surrounding himself or returning to company which he resents in one way or another such as Moor. Is this representative of his desperate need for companionship or does it reveal something about his feelings towards himself?
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ReplyDeleteIn the Introduction Burroughs states that "he lives with the constant threat of possession, and a constant need to escape from possession, from Control." What is Burroughs trying to say about the nature of possessing and being possessed?
ReplyDeleteWilliam Faulkner once said "The best fiction is far more true than any journalism." Given that this period of Burroughs's life was defined by heroin abuse and withdrawal, likely creating a separation between truth and reality, to what degree do you think Queer is fictionalized?
ReplyDeleteIn the Introduction,Burroughs compares the act of writing to inoculation but sees the things written as viruses. Is this conflicting notion about writing shown in Queer? If so, how?
ReplyDeleteThis tags onto the first question regarding how Burroughs distinguishes "himself as author of a somewhat autobiographical hero" and chan's question. According to the text of Nabokov's idea on what is a good writer, would Burroughs's self comparison of himself to the character be considered lowly imagination?
ReplyDeleteIn Chapters 1 and 2, male figures such as Moor and Carl Steinberg are introduced with tremendous physical detail. What kind of narrator introduces these characters? How do physical appearances play a role in Lee's attraction to these characters? Why do you think the author paid so much attention in establishing each character's background?
ReplyDeleteThroughout the text, Burroughs uses the term "routine" repeatedly. What is the significance of the characters actions to be routine?
ReplyDeletePay close attention to pages 4, 5, and 27.
In Lee's pursuit of find relations with another evokes the idea of property/ownership. Why is it when the characters discuss relationships with being with another, the initial emotions are of fascination, but immediately changes to hate afterward? What does this show about the intentions of those trying to find another?
What does this book have to do with Slavic literature?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the differences between Junkie and Queer and why did Burroughs choose to write on both of them?