Introduction
The novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a thought-provoking literary piece that discusses the issues of homosexuality among younger adults. The narrative revolves around two protagonists, Ari and Dante, 15-year-old boys who discover their sexuality and life aspirations. The novel examines the hardships of teens in a society that does not tolerate LGBT, showing the importance of love and sexual freedom.
However, some experts, such as Michelle Ann Abate, note that the story avoids several crucial concepts in the discussion of LGBT identity, including the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Nevertheless, the current argumentative essay states that the novel can and should be regarded as having exceptional merit for LGBT members because of its emphasis on love and freedom. Moreover, the book conveys that love can be expressed in numerous ways, and this message is essential for general LGBT representation and for helping teens who struggle with their sexual identity.
AIDS Crisis Criticism
First, it is necessary to examine the AIDS crisis to determine whether it is important for the novel’s narrative. In general, this problem refers to a slightly inaccurate representation of the historical setting that took place in the United States in the 1980s (Abate). The novel omitted the AIDS crisis of 1987-1988 that significantly affected the LGBT community and identity. According to the author, this misrepresentation neglects a crucial historical element and even does not fulfill “the responsibility it has to its audience” to mention darker parts of LGBT history (Abate 2). For this reason, some authors criticize the authenticity and realism of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.
AIDS Crisis and Plot Elements
However, the current essay argues that while it is important to understand history, the AIDS crisis is not as significant for the narrative as other plot elements. The novel transparently demonstrates multiple hardships that both Ari and Dante experience in their lives due to society’s neglect of LGBT. These challenges are reflected in many plot elements, including how Ari’s brother killed a prostitute for being transgender or the perceptions of LGBT by older generations (Saenz 275).
Moreover, Ari’s initial neglect of Dante’s love showed not what Ari felt but what he was taught to do in such situations. Even though he knew that Dante’s feelings were true, Ari said, “You shouldn’t say it” (Saenz 125). At the same time, the author makes it relatively clear that Ari is already in love with Dante but cannot accept his feelings due to societal pressure.
These dialogues and contexts transparently demonstrate that the lack of tolerance of the LGBT community is the primary challenge and antagonist in the novel. Saenz contrasts the love of two boys and societal perception of homosexuality to create a conflicting narrative, where protagonists must overcome challenges to accept their feelings. In such a narrative, the mentioned AIDS crisis is less relevant than other problems that most LGBT members face. As a result, teens who struggle with understanding their sexual identity can relate to Ari and Dante, which undoubtedly shows exceptional merit for the LGBT community.
Relevant Issues for Ari and Dante
Moreover, it is critical to note that Ari and Dante are young adults with little understanding of sexuality. The AIDS crisis was a relevant issue in the LGBT community; however, the boys were not yet part of it, and their knowledge of homosexuality was restricted heavily by the societal perception of LGBT. In other words, other challenges, such as pushback from parents and acceptance on the individual level, were much more relevant for Ari and Dante than some vague concepts of HIV and AIDS. In summary, it is safe to assume that the described AIDS crisis by Michelle Ann Abate is an important issue in the LGBT community, but it is less relevant for Ari, Dante, and the whole narrative.
Representation
Finally, the thorough description of more easy-to-understand LGBT issues and challenges creates a relatable representation experience for readers. For instance, Sabila et al. focus on how Ari’s personal struggle with sexuality is the most relevant problem for people who are uncomfortable with their sexual orientation and behavior (157). This issue is particularly critical for people in societies that condemn homosexuality on societal and individual levels.
Today, many countries perceive LGBT issues the same way as the United States did almost forty years ago, with a large degree of discrimination (Sabila et al. 158). Hence, the novel transparently shows the importance of sexual freedom and the expression of love in oppressive societies, and many people can relate to this experience. As a result, it brings attention to this topic and undeniable merit to the LGBT community.
Conclusion
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe discuss relevant issues concerning homosexuality and sexual identity. The current essay has demonstrated that although the novel might omit some historical facts, it has exceptional merit to the LGBT community. It shows relevant issues that young homosexual adults face in oppressive societies and how difficult it is for them to accept their sexual identities. Nevertheless, the novel teaches that true love and freedom of sexual expression are necessary for people to understand themselves and potentially find true happiness. In this sense, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is an excellent and thought-provoking literary piece that contributes to the advancement of LGBT rights and acceptance.
Works Cited
Abate, Michelle Ann. “Out of the Past: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, the AIDS Crisis, and Queer Retrosity.” Research on Diversity in Youth Literature, vol. 2, no. 1, 2019.
Sabila, Putri, et al. “Representation of Sexual Identity Struggle in Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.” JET (Journal of English Teaching) Adi Buana, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 157-168.
Saenz, Benjamin Alire. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012.