Interpretation of a Quote in the novel Giovanni’s Room

In the novel Giovanni’s Room, part one chapter three, the protagonist is David and Jacques is the acquaintance. They are in a bar in Paris were they are having drinks and a conversation about relationships. Jacques and David had a past relationship with each other, but Jacques notices that David is having an attraction for another man. Jacques says, “‘Love him and let him love you…You can give each other something which will make both of you better- forever- if you will not be ashamed, if you will not only play it safe’” (Baldwin 57). This quote explains how Jacques is telling David to let loose and let himself be who he truly is. David feels he cannot have feelings for a male because of society’s norms. Jacques tells David that if he realizes his attraction towards the same sex he would not only make himself happy, but his partner as well.