#cm409

["Homosocial"] is a neologism, obviously formed by analogy with "homosexual," and just as obviously meant to be distinguished from "homosexual." [...] What I mean to show, of course, is that the men's heterosexual relationships in the play have as their raison d'être an ultimate bonding between men. [...]

Sparkish's behavior when he introduces his friend Harcourt to his fiancée Alithea makes clear that his strongest motive is really not even to use Harcourt as a sweetener for the marriage, but to use his wife, and Harcourt's approval of her, as an intensifier of his homosocial bond with Harcourt and the wits. [...] "Do you approve my choice?" "Tell me, I say, Harcourt, how dost thou like her?" [...] homosocial masquerades as heterosexual desire.

Between men: English Literature and Homosocial Desire by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick