HOMOSEXUAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT IN EDWARDIAN ENGLAND AS REFLECTED IN E. M. FORSTER’S MAURICE

Abstract

This research is conducted to describe the homosexual identity development of an Edwardian gentleman named Maurice Hall depicted in a novel entitled Maurice, and to explain how the identity development helps him confirm his sexual identity while living in a strict heteronormative and homophobic Edwardian England. The findings of this research show that there are five stages of homosexual identity development undergone by homosexuals seen through the life of Maurice Hall in his adolescence period, which are pre-coming out, coming out, exploration, first relationships and integration. The illegality of homosexuality in Edwardian England affects how Maurice surpasses each stage. The fear of being prosecuted and losing his place in society results in negative self-esteem in his early stages of identity development, indicated by serious mental illness such as depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts. In the more integrated identity, the self-acceptance of his homosexuality helps Maurice to be psychologically prepared in dealing with social stigmatization.

 Keywords:   homosexuality,   homosexual   identity,   identity   development,   Edwardian

England, Maurice