Sexuality In The Case Of Young Törless

One of the most riveting themes that appear in Musil’s novel The Case of Young Törless is the theme of sexuality. It is best represented through the evolving character development between Törless and Basini, who are both visual representations for the theme of sexuality in the novel. At first, one assumes that these characters in the novel are nothing but innocent boys, with an identity already cultivated for them through the rigidity of the academy. However, as the story progresses, one is able to see that both Törless and Basini’s behaviors evolve from the simplicity and innocence of being child-like to being confronted with more adult themes, such as sexuality. One is also able to understand that through sexuality one is able to learn more
about their respected behaviors and their interactions within crucial points of the novel. To help one understand the significance of the sexuality theme being portrayed in the novel, it best apprehended through certain moments in the novel and how each character reacts towards sexuality. The first being Törless’s in awe in describing the body image of Basini in great depth in contrast to Basini’s more uncivilized and animalistic behavior. Törless’s and Basini’s confrontation with sexuality is the most important theme in the novel because through questioning of certain traditions, it leads to the destabilization of the establishment. An example of how sexuality is depicted in the novel is the description of Basini’s body image interpreted by Törless. One can decipher that Törless’s feelings are those of not only curiosity and shock of the male anatomy, but also one of awe. Törless’s emotion’s can best be described by the following quote. “When he turned around, Basini was standing naked before him. He involuntarily took a step back. He was blinded and appalled by the sudden sight of that naked, snow-white body, with the red of the walls turning to blood behind him. Basini had a beautiful physique;…(pp.110-111) Not only does this particular quote reveal sexuality from Törless’s perspective, but it also contributes to the larger conversation of the establishment through what is considered an ideal man. Him challenging these preconceived notions also helps one understand Törless on a more personal level through his thought process. Through his thought process, one is able to understand that sexuality from his perspective is one of liberation, exploration, and one of personal discovery without any societal forces dictating what sexuality should be. In contrast, Basini’s behavior takes a drastically new behavior of sexuality. Another example of sexuality in the novel can best be described through the perspective and behavior of Basini.
One can interpret that Basini’s reaction that can best be described as one not only of being boorish and lascivious, but also one of vacillation. Basini’s behavior can be best interpreted by “A third passes him on. And suddenly Basini is flying around the room, naked, his mouth wide with fear, like a rolling ball, amidst laughter and jeering, clutching hands—from one side to the other—cutting himself open on the sharp edges of the desks, falling to his knees, torn bloody…(pp. 148-149).” Not only does this particular quote illustrate that Basini is in a state of physical pain, but it also suggests that he is also in a state of mental pain as well. This can best be represented through Basini’s behavior. This quote shows that Basini’s is not acting as though he was a human, rather someone who is animalisitc through hurting himself. Through this type of behavior, one also infer that unlike Törless, who accepted and felt comfortable in his own sexuality, Basini was not. Through him not being comfortable with his sexuality, it indirectly shows that Basini wanted to be part of the establishment because of its security and him not having to conform. Lastly, this quote also implies that Basini’s angry and insecurity led himself to even question what his identity
was. In conclusion, both Basini’s and Törless’s interaction with sexuality displays helps one understand that through questioning of certain traditions, it leads to the destabilization of the establishment. As we seen the evolution of Basini and Törless from children into adults, one also learns sexuality is not a sin, rather it is one part that helps one mold their own respected identity and that one should not follow blindly external forces to dictate one’s own respected identity. The destabilization of the establishment helps one not only with one’s own respected identity, but through Törless and Basini’s experience with sexuality one has a better understanding of the effects that sexuality has on a person both physically and mentally and can best be interpreted through their own respected reactions. These two reactions to sexuality are also relatable to the modern era. One sees that not only are their different reactions to sexuality, but that through sexuality one is able to dictate an idea for oneself without and external forces imposing their own standards on someone else.