Shame

Dictionary.com defines shame: the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another:

During our lives, most of us have committed a shameful act, we have all felt dishonorable at one point in time. If you can't remember when you felt dishonorable, I know you can remember a time you felt ridiculous.

Unlike most Americans, the shame discussed between David and Jacques is a shame brought about by what some consider an improper sexual orientation. After Jacques describes his homosexual experiences, David is disturbed by the whole situation involving "men kneeling before you while you though of something else and pretended that nothing was happening down there in the dark between your legs" (56). Although David has had homosexual experiences, his were far more innocent.

This disturbing act Jacques describes makes David feel hopeless, and causes him to feel a sense of shame in those actions. Jacques takes the hint that David senses shame in his actions, and makes known the definition of shame. He speaks, shame occurs in these actions because "there is no affection in them, and no joy" (56).

This whole conservation of shame occurs for a greater reason. Ultimately, Jacques asks David shy he is ashamed about the love Giovanni feels towards him. Shame is not caused by homosexuality, but is the result of the uncertainly and lack of acceptance of homosexuality.