From gay to queer

By Lasse Kekki

Subjects: Gay men, Homosexuality and literature, Homosexuality in literature, Literature, modern, history and criticism, 20th century, Gay men in literature, American literature, history and criticism, 20th century, Characters, History, LGBTQ plays

Description: This study explores the works of two contemporary American gay authors, David Leavitt and Tony Kushner by bringing both writers within the purview of Queer Studies. The book provides an extensive critical examination of selected novels by Leavitt and Kushner’s highly praised play Angels in America. The author compares the early modern period in England to modern American gay literature and argues that the struggle against hegemonic norms of sexual construction links the early English dramatist Christopher Marlowe to David Leavitt and Tony Kushner. The book contributes significantly to Gay/Lesbian/Queer Studies and American Studies by offering a thorough discussion of the complex issues of gay male identity and queer identity in contemporary American gay literature.