Lasker Jones
The hypnotist Maurice consults in an attempt to change his sexuality, who is more candid than the other medical authorities.
To treat Maurice professionally while acknowledging that suggestion cannot reliably change his sexual orientation.
The book
At a glance
- Hypnotist
- Maurice Hall
- Acknowledges the treatment may fail
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeLasker Jones participates in a harmful effort to alter Maurice, but he differs from Dr. Barry in recognizing both the treatment’s limits and the reality of Maurice’s situation.
His clinical failure helps make the moral issue clearer: Maurice is not failing to become heterosexual; the cure itself cannot produce an honest life.
How the book draws them
- Professional middle-aged manHis authority is calm rather than theatrical.
- Observant faceAttention is his primary tool.
- Formal suitThe period consulting profession is visible.
- Measured expressionHe is neither mocking nor falsely reassuring.
- Close engraved bustThe consulting room is omitted.
- Muted slate accentThe neutral color suits his clinical role.
Lasker Jones cannot change Maurice’s sexuality. His honesty about that limit helps end Maurice’s search for a cure.
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If you like E. M. Forster
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