Liminality & Reality Anonymous 11th Grade

E.M Forster uses motifs such as the concept of liminality in terms of threshold spaces such as windows or dreams to convey the emotions of his characters, specifically Maurice. Maurice realizes he is drawn to the dark because he doesn’t need to hide, yet, simultaneously, he yearns for open fields and spaces to feel free, constructing a substantial contradisctiontion. However, this contradistinction echoes Maurice’s mind, as he is still attempting to define himself as the novel continues and is forced to learn through the situations he is put in. Maurice and Clive’s relationship is incredibly detrimental to Maurice’s wellbeing; although it is through Clive that he finally begins to understand his sexuality, it is also through Clive that he begins to lose himself. Forster uses Scudder to demonstrate the depth of Maurice’s transition into his own independent self, free of Clive’s voice. Maurice is finally secure within his realization of queerness, and Forster utilizes their sexual relationship to personify Maurice’s realization and security. Forster intentionally creates a plethora of parallels between Maurice and Scudder and Maurice and Durham’s consummation in order to illustrate the considerable development of Maurice’s...