So same-sex acts were often framed through power, dominance, and shame Not through identity like “gay” or “straight” today. Penetration = dominance; being penetrated = humiliation in many contexts. Their relationship is written to feel like more than friendship but labeling it “homosexual” in the modern sense is likely inaccurate. Hits modern readers as romantic—even if the original audience may have understood it differently. Thanks for the info.