Interplay between Marginalized Sexuality and Psychology in James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room

Abstract

This article explores the interconnectedness between sexuality and the human mind found in James Baldwin's Giovanni’s Room. It focuses on homosexuality and the psychological dilemma. The protagonist, David, suffers an internal struggle of whether to move with societal norms or to get struck with his sexuality. While discussing on gay male sexuality, this novel reflects the real-life experiences of Baldwin. The conflict between mainstream and marginalized sexualities is discussed. Sexual variation of homosexuality has something to do with psychology. The inferiority complex as psychological defect is more prevalent in non-heteros. Baldwin delves deep into characters to understand how closely the characters are related to one another. He highlights the complex relationship prevalent in the characters. The constructions of hetero- normativity lead the protagonist David to suffer from claustrophobia. On the other hand, the novel can be read from the psychological stand point of masculine behavior. This article could be viewed from Freud’s concept of homosexuality in relation to Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room.