The Plastic Age · Question
How does The Plastic Age develop the theme of Sexuality and Morality?
Answer
The Plastic Age by Percy Marks develops Sexuality and Morality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative explores the tension between sexual desire and moral ideals, including petting, promiscuity, 'smut sessions,' and the struggle to define love versus mere physical attraction.
The bull session centers on sexual behavior, chastity, and the conflict between desire and moral upbringing.
The incident with prostitutes, Harry Slade's intervention, Carl's disease and departure, and Hugh's resolve to stay straight.
Hugh witnesses couples in close embrace, a girl and man in bed, and Hester's aggressive petting, leading him to question his own prudishness and the moral decay of the fraternity.
Evidence in the book
- XV
The bull session centers on sexual behavior, chastity, and the conflict between desire and moral upbringing.
- XVI
The incident with prostitutes, Harry Slade's intervention, Carl's disease and departure, and Hugh's resolve to stay straight.
- XIX
Hugh witnesses couples in close embrace, a girl and man in bed, and Hester's aggressive petting, leading him to question his own prudishness and the moral decay of the fraternity.
