Ignatius' Sexuality

Throughout the book, Ignatius contently makes clear his position on sex. He claims to be repulsed by the very thought of the act. The truth becomes clear as the story progresses. Whenever the opportunity provides itself, Ignatius does not hesitate to banter and rant about the obscenities and perversions brought about by television, movies, advertising and American commercialism. While he is probably accurate, he is not completely true to his word. Aside from his chronic masturbation (with bizarre fantasies, one involving his beloved, deceased collie, Rex) Ignatius represses any sort of sexual arousal which in turn manifests itself in the violent typically sexual verbal punishment of the person or people committing the offensive act.

This liberal doxy must be impaled upon the member of a particularly large stallion. (Toole 216)

This is all most likely attributed to his medieval, shame-based, Catholic beliefs. As time goes by, Ignatius' banter becomes more sexual, less violent, and we see the beginnings of his acceptance of these feelings as natural.