On second thoughts, the fact that kirtles were feminine attire is no sure
sign that the person wearing it isn't male (especially in Marlowe).
Doesn't Gaveston look forward to entertaining Edward II with pretty boys
dressed as nymphs?
Bill Godshalk's scepticism is always refreshing, but in this case he fails
to dislodge my belief that Marlowe liked boys. Marlowe is obviously
salivating when he describes every little dint on Leander's backbone. Even
C. S. Lewis (no champion of homoeroticism) had to acknowledge "he obviously
likes what he's writing about." On the other hand, an interest in boys need
not preclude an interest in women. I think that Marlowe likes writing about
Hero too, though not with quite the same relish.
John Leonard
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