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What were some of the sexual overtones in Heinlein's most popular novels?

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Published in Daily Trivia

Sexual freedom and the elimination of sexual jealousy are a major theme of Stranger in a Strange Land (1961), in which the straitlaced nurse Jill acts as a dramatic foil for the less parochial characters Jubal Harshaw and Mike. Two negative references to homosexuality have been interpreted by some readers as being homophobic, but both deal with Jill's hang-ups, and one is a discussion of Jill's thoughts. It is therefore unclear if they reflect Heinlein's point of view. In addition, homosexuality is ill-regarded, but accepted as necessary in an overwhelmingly male society, by the point of view character in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Homosexuality is treated with approval - even gusto - in books such as the 1970 I Will Fear No Evil, which posits the social recognition of six innate genders, consisting of all the combinations of male and female with straight, gay, and bisexual.

 


 

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