Conventional Standards

Civilization, and the pressure its social norms apply on individuals who do not fit the typical stereotype, can be seen implitcitly in the letter David recieves from his father. David's father writes David about what he's been doing, why hasn't he returned home, with the ulterior motive of finding out what secret David has been keeping from him. David knew his father was living in a "pit of suspicions" (91). David also knew that his father was a conventional man. He had married and proceeded to have David with his wife, and he surely expected David to follow the same procedure. David was aware of the societal pressures that faced him in his quest to truly determine whether he wants to be with a man or a woman for the rest of his life. David is trying to find out who he is, and what his sexual preference/orientation is. Because of his predicament, David knew that his father hadn't asked one question. He failed to ask, "Is it a woman, David? Bring her on home. I don't care who she is. Bring her on home and I'll help you get set up." (91) David was fully aware why this question was not posed. David's father could not live with the fact that his son is gay. Having a gay son would not only be detestable by the social standards of the time, but would also represent the loss of hope in David's father, as he expected more out of David, his only son, all he has.