Discuss ways in which the experience of being a homosexual man in America has changed and ways in which it has not.

In what ways do the writings of Anatole France and Franz Kafka, as referred to/discussed in the prologue and in "Characters," reflect and/or highlight the experience of the narrator?

Consider Maria's comment in Chapter 5 that America is essentially Buddhist in relation to the definition of Buddhism included in "Objects/Places." What do you think Maria means by drawing this parallel? Also, discuss the comment made by Hunton at the end of that same chapter - that "American life" is "past belief." Considering the context in which he makes the remark, what point do you think Hunton is making?

Given that two, apparently very telling quotes, about America appear in Chapter 5, what do you think is intended by the juxtaposition? What...