Sexuality In The Case Of Young Törless
One of the most riveting themes that appear in Musil’s novel The Case of Young Törless is the theme of sexuality. It is best represented through the evolving character development between Törless and Basini, who are both visual representations for the theme of sexuality in the novel. At first, one assumes that these characters in the novel are nothing but innocent boys, with an identity already cultivated for them through the rigidity of the academy. However, as the story progresses, one is able to see that both Törless and Basini’s behaviors evolve from the simplicity and innocence of being child-like to being confronted with more adult themes, such as sexuality. One is also able to understand that through sexuality one is able to learn more
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One can interpret that Basini’s reaction that can best be described as one not only of being boorish and lascivious, but also one of vacillation. Basini’s behavior can be best interpreted by “A third passes him on. And suddenly Basini is flying around the room, naked, his mouth wide with fear, like a rolling ball, amidst laughter and jeering, clutching hands—from one side to the other—cutting himself open on the sharp edges of the desks, falling to his knees, torn bloody…(pp. 148-149).” Not only does this particular quote illustrate that Basini is in a state of physical pain, but it also suggests that he is also in a state of mental pain as well. This can best be represented through Basini’s behavior. This quote shows that Basini’s is not acting as though he was a human, rather someone who is animalisitc through hurting himself. Through this type of behavior, one also infer that unlike Törless, who accepted and felt comfortable in his own sexuality, Basini was not. Through him not being comfortable with his sexuality, it indirectly shows that Basini wanted to be part of the establishment because of its security and him not having to conform. Lastly, this quote also implies that Basini’s angry and insecurity led himself to even question what his identity
One can interpret that Basini’s reaction that can best be described as one not only of being boorish and lascivious, but also one of vacillation. Basini’s behavior can be best interpreted by “A third passes him on. And suddenly Basini is flying around the room, naked, his mouth wide with fear, like a rolling ball, amidst laughter and jeering, clutching hands—from one side to the other—cutting himself open on the sharp edges of the desks, falling to his knees, torn bloody…(pp. 148-149).” Not only does this particular quote illustrate that Basini is in a state of physical pain, but it also suggests that he is also in a state of mental pain as well. This can best be represented through Basini’s behavior. This quote shows that Basini’s is not acting as though he was a human, rather someone who is animalisitc through hurting himself. Through this type of behavior, one also infer that unlike Törless, who accepted and felt comfortable in his own sexuality, Basini was not. Through him not being comfortable with his sexuality, it indirectly shows that Basini wanted to be part of the establishment because of its security and him not having to conform. Lastly, this quote also implies that Basini’s angry and insecurity led himself to even question what his identity