The Sling and The Arrow is a novel by Stuart Engstrand published in 1947 that is a psychological drama about latent homosexuality and its destructive impact on a marriage, culminating in a murder attempt. The novel tells the story of a man, Herbert Dawes, a California dress designer, who struggles with his gender and sexuality. His internal conflict and “split personality—half male, half female” manifest in a troubled marriage and an unconscious attempt to kill his wife, Lonna. The book portrays the “strange roles played by husband and wife, and the bitter struggle of each to subdue the hidden fear that lurked within their love”. Controversial Subject: The book is a notable work in early queer literature for its explicit focus on the then-taboo subject of latent homosexuality, though it has been noted for its “blatant sexual stereotyping” and the potential to “insult and offend any gay male” by today’s standards. Genre: The novel is a drama and psychological novel, dealing with themes of sexuality, mental distress, and marital conflict.
