UNCONSCIOUSLY IN THE CLOSET: REPRESSED QUEERNESS IN "ANOTHER COUNTRY"

Abstract

When analyzed through the lenses of queer theory and Freudian psychoanalysis, James Baldwin's novel Another Country becomes a study of the male homosocial continuum, repressed queerness, and defense mechanisms. The character Rufus Scott encapsulates repressed male homosexual desire, especially with respect to his closest friend, Vivaldo. This paper will explore how the male homosocial continuum is disrupted and the psychological consequences of this disruption on queer men through Rufus's actions, particularly when they are considered in the context of his relationship with Vivaldo. Due to the aforementioned disruption, Rufus idealizes heterosexuality. Consequently, he represses his queerness, resulting in reaction formation - causing him to act as if he is straight - and displacement - causing him to place his sexual feelings and anger towards Vivaldo on his girlfriend, Leona. These defense mechanisms manifest in an erotic triangle between the three through which the two men communicate their desire for each other. Although Rufus is dead for a substantial portion of the novel, his influence lives on through the characters who survive him, so his emotions and behaviors during his life are of critical importance.