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Carrying A Cross Of Guilt And Shame (Press, 3 September 1977)

This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.

Summary: Carrying A Cross Of Guilt And Shame (Press, 3 September 1977)

The Naked Civil Servant by Quentin Crisp, published by Duckworth in 1977, presents the life and inner struggles of its author, described on the book's jacket as a "happy homosexual." However, the text offers a complex depiction that suggests he wrestled with his identity rather than embracing it fully. Born in 1908, Crisp’s eccentricity was a deliberate choice meant to challenge societal norms and openly proclaim his homosexuality. He dressed in flamboyant clothing, dyed his hair, and adorned himself with makeup, seeking to unapologetically present himself as a “truly appalling woman” rather than conforming to traditional gender expectations. Despite his bold exterior, Crisp grappled with a deep sense of inadequacy and self-loathing. He held a strong belief that homosexuality was a sin—alternately viewing it as a sin or an illness—and felt that all heterosexuals were inherently superior. This self-appraisal led him to internalize societal rejection and humiliation, which he recounts throughout the book. His narrative reflects a life marked by misfortune and shame, compounded by experiences from his childhood to his fleeting sexual encounters in the shadows of London. Crisp’s jobs in commercial art, albeit sporadic and often unfavourable, were undertaken with a sense of bewilderment and resignation. He found some solace as an art school model, a role that required little beyond physical presence. His living conditions, often described as squalid, are used to illustrate his rejection of societal norms and personal care, as he downplayed the importance of cleanliness in his cramped and neglected living spaces. While Crisp's self-portrayal is tinged with despair and hopelessness—reflected in thoughts of suicide—he nonetheless possesses a sharp wit and an undeniable intellect that belies his claims of stupidity. His hostility toward the arts contrasts with his substantial knowledge of literature, suggesting that he has not given up as completely as he asserts. Crisp portrays a life heavy with guilt and shame, fearing that beneath his façade lies a deeply flawed individual, one whose pleas for forgiveness reflect his internal struggle for acceptance. Ultimately, the review implies that what Crisp truly needs is to find a way to forgive himself for the very things he perceives as shortcomings. The narrative invites the reader to reflect on the broader themes of identity, acceptance, and the quest for self-forgiveness amidst a world rife with judgement. Although the book serves as a reflection of Quentin Crisp’s tumultuous journey, it raises significant questions about love, self-worth, and the inherent struggles faced by those who exist on the margins of societal norms.

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Publish Date:3rd September 1977
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19770903_2_130_2.html