References To Other Works
Boy Meets Boy refers to David Leavitt's books The Lost Language of Cranes, Equal Affections and A Place I’ve Never Been and, in the context of school work, to Oscar Wilde, the Brontë sisters and Of Mice and Men. Paul is involved with school drama and there is reference to a production of Mame.
A copy of The Advocate magazine is mentioned as being found by Tony's mother in his room, thus revealing his secret.
The Breakfast Club is referred to as a significant film in both Paul and Noah's previous relationships. Other films mentioned are The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Boys Don't Cry, both with LGBT-related themes, and Say Anything..., a popular romantic movie. The Sound of Music was the previous year's school dance theme, and The Wizard of Oz is suggested for this year's. Gone with the Wind is alluded to when Paul describes Infinite Darlene as sounding like Scarlett O'Hara as played by Clark Gable.
Songs mentioned include "I Will Survive" and "Bizarre Love Triangle", which Paul remembers being played at the elementary school assembly; "It's Always You" (the Chet Baker version) which is playing in Noah's attic during their first date; "Always" which Paul plays when he "goes Elsewhere"; and "If I Had a Hammer" which Tony sings to defuse a fight at the diner. The school band plays "All Along the Watchtower", "Typical Situation", "One Day More" from Les Misérables, "We Are the Champions" and "Personal Jesus". The pinball machine they prefer to use plays different Elvis songs depending on the score.
Read more about this topic: Boy Meets Boy (novel)
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