Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. For many years, the only type of relationship celebrated in books, TV, and film were between cisgender men and women. However, in modern times, that is changing. Can you think of stories in recent popular media that celebrate non-heteronormative relationships? Why is representation of all types of relationships important, particularly for LGBTQ+ teens?

Teaching Suggestion: This question will get students thinking about society’s conventions regarding sexuality and how queer literature is important for feeling affirmed and Overcoming Shame. You may want to mention that Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was awarded a Lambda Literary Award, which is a prize given to books that elevate and affirm the value of LGBTQ+ stories and lives. In the links below, you will find further discussion about why LGBTQ+ representation in books is important, especially for teens and young adults.

• “Why Queer Literature Is Vital for People Growing Up LGBTQ+”—a 2020 article from Random House book publishers 
• “Lambda Literary 30th Anniversary Video”—a 3-minute video from Lambda Literary tracing the history of the organization

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