The Plastic Age · Theme

Sexuality and Morality

How The Plastic Age develops Sexuality and Morality.

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.

Where it surfaces

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.