Writing Homework Help

Judy Blume’s Forever . . . and Benjamin Saenz’s Aristotle and Dante are written in two very different cultural moments; there are 37 years between their publication dates. Both novels are trying to open up discussions around sexuality and healthy relationships, and what it means to be discovering one’s sexual orientation and what one wants in a partner. At the same time, attitudes around female sexuality and homosexuality were in some ways very different in 1975 than they are today. At their most basic, though, both Blume and Saenz’s books are about what it is like to be a female or a male teen who is discovering their sexuality for the first time.

First, what was most surprising or interesting to you about the way sexuality and sexual orientation were talked about in each of these books? What terminology, tone, or approach did the authors use that was different or something you wouldn’t have expected?

Second, how does each author challenge what is “normal” for teens when it comes to self-discovery, sexual orientation, and sexual behavior? In other words, what behaviors or feelings do Blume and/or Saenz depict as normal that are maybe still stigmatized or frowned upon by parts of our society? What distinctions do the authors make (or do they not make) between sexual activity, sexual orientation, and emotional attachment?

Third, how is homosexuality or any LGBTQ sexuality treated differently in these two novels? Does Blume try to open up the discussion of homosexuality in her novel? Given that she was published in 1975, you have to remember that homosexuality was barely talked about in most places, much less written about in YA books. Does she succeed in lessening the stigma around it, or does she merely reinforce it? Does she make distinctions between “gay” and “straight” behavior, or not? How does Saenz’s approach change the focus around sexual orientation (or does it)? Does Aristotle and Dante move away from talking about gay and straight differences? Or does Saenz still highlight the differences between gay and straight in some ways?

When you write your response, please make sure it is typed and double-spaced. Don’t forget to use quotations to support your points and include citations. Submit your paper as a file attachment.