In "The International Stud: Scene 3," Arnold finally contacts Ed, who admits he is dating a woman. It seems likely from the conversation between Arnold and Ed that Ed is very aware of family and societal pressures to be "normal." Choose one of the following topics and write a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. In what ways does the culture in which you live define normalcy as heterosexuality? Use examples from movies, t.v., school, church, and other cultural institutions. Discuss the ramifications of bucking cultural pressure and living life as a homosexual.

2. How does one's family of origin help shape one's perceptions of what is normal? What sort of overt, covert, and unconscious pressure is placed on one to conform to one's family's definition of normal? What are some behaviors and beliefs that are considered normal? Give examples both from the play, Torch Song Triology and your own life.

3. Discuss three famous people who have chosen to live apart from what is considered normal: not necessarily as homosexuals, but in any way that society might label as different or not normal. Do you admire these people's choices? Do they violate any moral laws according to how you have been raised. Could you see your self making a similar choice? Include, if you are comfortable in doing so, ways that you have chosen to be or do what is considered not normal.

Essay Topic 2

In "The International Stud: Scene 4," Arnold participates in anonymous sex with a stranger. Though it is not explicitly stated, it is likely given the time period in which this play is written that Arnold and the stranger did not practice "safe sex." Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. Define the term "safe sex."

2. Considering that the AIDS epidemic had not yet surfaced, was it wise of Arnold to engage in sex with a stranger? Explain your rationale.

3. Do you believe it is important to learn about safe sex at school? Would the school or parents do a better job of explaining the essentials of Safe Sex?

4. Is school a proper place to gain sex education? Does your school require sex education? Explain your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In "The International Stud: Scene 1," Arnold shares his frustrations at the lack of true love in his life despite all his attempts and all the humiliations and betrayals that plague a homosexual man. Discuss the following ideas in a well-developed essay using specific examples both from the text and any research you complete:

1. What sort of humiliations and do you think a gay man might endure? From whom?

2. Do you believe it is okay to humiliate and harass gay men? Explain your point of view.

3. Have you ever been humiliated for some reason? How did you feel during the time it was happening?

4. Did it make you more or less likely to do the same to someone else?

(see the answer keys)

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