Vile Affections: Medieval Literature in Reprobum Sensus Traditus

Is he, or isn't he? Ambiguity and indeterminacy are powerful incitements to sexual interest for certain queer adventurers. The flamboyant and in-your-face faggot has undeniable charms; the unequivocally straight he-man is an attractive challenge; but the doubt that graces and gilds an uncertain target is a consummate come-on. For the queer reader, the enigmatic or polysemous text is a similar turn-on. Ambiguity is an invitation to approach, pursue, or persuade.