One of the main reasons that the relationship between Carlo and Francesco is allowed to flourish and yet remain rather asexual is its sanitised and regimental setting, the army. This environment is conducive to Carlo’s deception, to others and with himself, it allows him to channel and hide his homosexuality simultaneously. Indeed, Carlo “knew that in the army there would be those that I [he] could love, albeit never touch.” This shows that whilst he was aware of his own sexuality he in fact joined the army to feel reciprocal love. This bond between soldiers was harnessed by the Spartans who encouraged their men to sleep together so they fought for love; it is this concept that is arguably the essence of Carlo and Francisco’s relationship. From this portrayal, it is clear that we are being taught about the transformation of something “scorned by God” to “a wild idea romantic and implausible,” however the most important fact is, “it worked.”
Francesco’s introduction to the plot in chapter 7 marks a turning point in the novel and life of Carlo. It represents the fulfilment of his achieving reciprocal love, yet the extent to which he must run from his own sexuality increases. Indeed in his own account within the chapter he defends himself “against the charges of perversion and obscenity”. Thus the question arises, is such “diluted love” healthy for Carlo? The evidence for and against this dilemma is presented within the portrayal of the relationship between Carlo and Francesco.
The argument stating such love is conducive to Carlo living a better life is strong. One may say that both due to the strength of the bond between Carlo and Franceso both are arguably happier as they “loved each other more than brothers.” This sense of family may create a much missed sense of familiarity to the soldiers who are far from home. Carlo himself states “I knew every inch of his body”, whilst this may seem strange it also reiterates the need for stability and familiarity within every day life. This relationship can be seen to provide this for both characters, until the unfortunate events of chapter 17.
The converse argument that the aforementioned “diluted love” is unhealthy for Carlo may be argued thusly. It is clear that Carlo deeply detests the part of himself that he is forced to accept, his homosexuality. Whilst this relationship allows him to channel and harness his sexual energy for greater good, it can be seen to create immense inner strife. Clearly attracted to Francesco yet being unable to even acknowledge this for fear of discovery depicts a character being pulled in two directions. One being the inconvenient truth and the other a convenient lie, Carlo opts for the second choice but is seemingly writing his account to atone for this. The portrayal is dazzlingly brilliant and is one from which we can learn much, especially the importance of choice and freewill. This is also the subject of many Greek Tragedies for which de Bernieres it appears was fond.
We also learn much about the role of various institutions in the perpetuation of common myths and social taboos. In chapter 4 the dated views of the church and the medical profession of old are described and indeed indirectly condemned. Carlo describes this union of professional convenience against a “common evil” as “medicinal theology and theological medicine.” The doctor says “How can this be natural?” and progresses to explain his own rhetoric, “This is against nature” and “Nature wants us to reproduce.” To surmise Carlos’ counter argument one must take the viewpoint that the unnatural deed is the act of self-deceit, an act perpetuated by both institutions of Medicine and God. This is highly ironic.
The institutions mentioned can also be seen to tie closely with the theme of deception and self deception. Carlo himself as having “signed a convent of perpetual secrecy” and “someone who knows the truth” yet “is forbidden to utter it”.
In conclusion it is palpable that the portrayal of Carlo and Francesco’s relationship removes the focus of audience from Carlo’s homosexuality to the effects of it upon him as a character. These effects can be seen to have been dichotomised into those which are positive and those which are not. We learn that whilst the effects can be manipulated for through channelling his repression via the army, this is still detrimental to his own character. All the effects seem to tie in closely to deceit and self deceit and thus we learn this to be one of the main underlying themes of the relationship. This theme can also be seen to unite many other characters in the wider plot of the novel and hence its importance cannot be underestimated.
