Another Country: Finding Happiness in Homosexuality, Overcoming Rejection, Identity, and Desire

In James Baldwin’s novel Another Country, the intricate relationships between bodies, identities, and desires create a tapestry of emotional turmoil for many characters. However, the character Eric, a homosexual expatriate who returns to New York to pursue an acting career, stands out as someone who navigates these complexities without the same level of internal conflict. His affair with Cass, a heterosexual married woman, does not undermine his identity as a gay man. Instead, it raises questions about the fluidity of desire and the separation of identity from sexual attraction.

Eric and Yves: A Model of Acceptance

When Eric is first introduced, he is in a loving relationship with his partner, Yves, in France. Baldwin depicts their bond as one characterized by mutual respect and a sense of belonging. In the opening chapters, Baldwin writes:

“[Eric] and Yves had been together for more than two years and, from the time of their meeting, his home had been with Yves. More precisely and literally, it was Yves who had come to live with him, but each was, for the other, the dwelling place that each had despaired of finding.”

This passage illustrates the profound happiness and completeness Eric finds in his relationship with Yves, suggesting that it serves as a resolution to his previous struggles with identity and desire. The concept of “home” signifies a culmination of a long search for love, indicating that Eric’s internal conflicts were resolved through his relationship with another man. His reluctance to be separated from Yves when moving back to New York highlights his acceptance and comfort with his homosexuality.

The Affair with Cass: A Complicated Desire

Despite Eric’s secure sense of identity, his affair with Cass complicates the narrative. Cass, a friend from New York, represents a significant departure from Eric’s established relationship with Yves. Baldwin frames their affair as mutually beneficial:

“‘You make me feel very strange,’ [Eric] said. ‘You make me feel things I didn’t think I’d ever feel again.’ ‘What do I make you feel?’ [Cass] asked. ‘You do the same for me.’ She sensed he was taking the initiative for her sake.”

This exchange reveals that Eric’s homosexual identity does not prevent him from experiencing attraction to Cass, suggesting that bodies, identity, and desire are not inherently interconnected. Baldwin implies that identifying as homosexual does not preclude a man from desiring women, thus challenging traditional notions of sexual orientation.

Fluidity of Desire: A Broader Perspective

The complexity of Eric's situation can be further understood through the lens of queer theory. Annamarie Jagose, in her book Queer Theory: An Introduction, argues that heterosexual men who desire other men are not necessarily closeted homosexuals. Similarly, Carl Wittman’s “A Gay Manifesto” contends that a homosexual identity encompasses more than just sexual attraction; it involves a social identification and a capacity to love someone of the same sex.

This perspective highlights the distinction between sexual desire and identity. For Eric, desire is fluid and does not conform to rigid categories, allowing him to engage with Cass without compromising his identity. The following table summarizes the distinctions between identity and desire:

Cass: The Consequences of Desire

In contrast to Eric, Cass struggles with her desires and the implications they have on her identity. Vivaldo, a mutual friend, expresses surprise at Cass’s actions, suggesting that she is perceived as more traditional than Eric. The societal double standards around promiscuity become evident when Cass’s affair is scrutinized:

“Cass is a grown woman with two kids. What about those kids? … Those kids are going to hate her.”

This reflects the societal expectations placed on women, where Cass’s infidelity is deemed unacceptable due to her role as a mother and wife. Eric’s affair, on the other hand, is viewed through a different lens, highlighting the disparity in how male and female promiscuity is judged.

Gender Roles and Sexual Freedom

The differing experiences of Eric and Cass underscore the gendered nature of sexual desire. Wittman posits that for women, sex often symbolizes oppression, while for homosexuals, it can represent freedom. Eric’s affair with Cass does not challenge his identity; rather, it reinforces it by allowing him to act outside conventional gender roles. For Cass, however, her desires conflict with societal expectations, leading to severe repercussions, as seen when Richard, her husband, threatens divorce and custody battles.

Conclusion: The Interweaving of Bodies, Identities, and Desires

In Another Country, Baldwin intricately explores the connections between bodies, identities, and desires, revealing how gender plays a pivotal role in these dynamics. Eric’s acceptance of his sexual fluidity allows him to navigate his desires without confusion, while Cass is trapped within societal constraints that dictate her actions. The novel ultimately suggests that true happiness lies in recognizing the separateness of these categories, freeing individuals from the confusion imposed by societal norms and fixed gender roles.

Works Cited

[1] James Baldwin, Another Country, (New York; Dell Publishing Company, 1963), p. 158

[2] Annamarie Jagose, Queer Theory, (New York; New York University Press, 2001), p. 7

[3] Carl Wittman, "A Gay Manifesto," Course Reader, Queer Theory, Instructor: Cheryl Kader, UWM Spring 2016, p. 4