Torch Song Trilogy Chapter Summary & Analysis - Fugue in a Nursery, Subject Summary

Fugue in a Nursery, Subject Summary

The scene opens with Alan trying to awaken the sleeping Arnold with teasing and flirting. Arnold prefers sleep to play at the moment but cannot resist Alan's boyish charms. Their conversation is stalled as a dialogue between Ed and Laurel begins, yet neither couple is aware of the other. This style continues throughout the scene.

Ultimately it is revealed that Alan makes his living as a male model and a hustler for gay sex, and is quite a bit younger than Arnold. In a conversation between Ed and Laurel, Ed restates his jealousy of Alan and the resentment of Alan's presence in Arnold's life and at the house this weekend.

The scene ends with a conversation between Alan and Arnold, who declares to his young lover that there is nothing between Arnold and Ed anymore. Alan does not fully believe Arnold, who does not provide any comfort in his ambiguous...
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