Embracing a Gay Identity: Gay Novels as Guides [Hardcover]

Wilfrid Koponen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0897893360 | ISBN-13: 978-0897893367

This work presents a psychological analysis of the process of coming out for gay men in America since 1950. Koponen looks at the process as a series of steps in a hero's journey progressing from initial denial and anger to guilt, bargaining, and depression. The stages of acceptance and integration of a gay identity represent the goal of the quest. Providing the common ground on which to analyze the coming out process, Koponen uses gay male relationships portrayed in six important American novels--Falconer by John Cheever, City of the Night by John Rechy, Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin, The Beautiful Room Is Empty by Edmund White, Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran, and Taking Care of Mrs. Carroll by Paul Monette. This book not only is literary study, but also is intended to help gay men reflect on their shared lived experiences. Self-help exercises on identifying and examining the stages of coming out are provided throughout the analysis.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?The book is really a guide for any man learning to love himself as gay. . . . I think this is an excellent and helpful book which deserves to be widely read.?-White Crane Newsletter

Book Description

This work presents a psychological analysis of the process of coming out for gay men in America since 1950.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Praeger (July 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0897893360
• ISBN-13: 978-0897893367
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,660,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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