How Does Bennett Use Dramatic Comedy to Explore the Theme of Sexuality in Act 2 of the Play?How Does Bennett Use Dramatic Comedy to Explore the Theme of Sexuality in Act 2 of the Play?

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Bennett explores the theme of sexuality at various points throughout Act 2. He uses many characters to explore the issue of homophobia in society, and uses each character to portray the different views on homosexuality. Bennett uses Posner to explore the thoughts and feelings of someone who believes that they are homosexual, whilst in contrast uses Dakin as a figure of confidence about his sexuality. Bennett also deals with the serious issue of sexism, and portrays this in Act 2, by portraying the opinion of teenage boys towards girls. Including these serious themes in the play, allows Bennett to express his views on the topic and influence the opinions of the audience, making them question what the right thing to believe is. The character of Posner is used by Bennett to portray the emotions of a teenage boy who is not yet sure of his sexuality. Posner believes that it is a bad thing that he might be homosexual, and he hopes that it is just a “phase”. He states, “Yes, it’s only a phase. Who says I want it to pass? But the pain. The pain”, which shows that he is not sure whether or not he wants to find out his sexuality. The rhetorical question used by Bennett, makes the audience believe that he is in support of homosexuals. However, the word “pain” tells us that it is an agonizing, and confusing period for young people when they are trying to discover their sexuality, but the word does not criticize being homosexuals, it only states that it can be difficult. This implies that Bennett is aware of the homophobia that was and still is a serious issue in society, and that it is not always easy to come out as homosexual. Posner’s next line of speech after this is “I just wish there were marks for it”. This jokingly criticizes the exam focussed, functional education system, because this shows Posner’s obsession of doing well in exams. This criticism of exams

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