Emtional Escape: DWE

Question 1

Was emotional escape through sexuality successful?

Answer 1

Yes – deeply empowering and freeing for Thomas.

Question 2

Key points

Answer 2

• In drag, he feels freedom and selfhood:
“There is a craziness in it all that betokens a kind of delicious freedom.”
• The miners are captivated by this illusion, craving a moment of beauty in their brutal lives:
“Everyone of them would like to touch me.”
• Thomas finds emotional fulfilment in his relationship with John Cole — their love is deep, sexual, and enduring:
They are married by a “half-blind preacher” and build a family with Winona.
• By the end, Thomas freely expresses himself, even wearing dresses in Tennessee.

Question 3

Effect

Answer 3

• Barry portrays a revolutionary vision of love, where gender and sexuality provide a powerful escape from violence, trauma, and societal repression.
• Emotional escape is sustained, meaningful, and healing.