Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Clint McCown
Second Advisor
Gretchen Comba
Third Advisor
Mary-Caton Lingold
Abstract
Roman Sherwood, a repressed gay teenager, joins the Marine Corps in 2006, during the time of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. He dreams of earning his “mosquito wings”—the rank insignia of a private first-class—and thus proving he belongs in the Marine Corps infantry and further denying his true identity. As Roman’s company trains for a combat deployment to Afghanistan, his quest for promotion and self-denial is threatened by his growing relationship with the rebellious Kirby Jones.
Roman falls in love with Kirby, despite the interference and hostility of their immediate superior, Lance Corporal Gutfeld. When Kirby decides to desert to California on the eve of their deployment, Roman must choose whether to desert with Kirby and be true to himself, or to remain with the Marines and go to war.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-3-2024