In this paper, I will take a look at how Kushner's characters Prior and Harper deal with challenges in the changes in the postmodern world of the 1980s.
Tony Kushner's two-part drama "Angels of America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes" takes place at the height of America's conservative politics and culture in the mid-1980s under the leadership of Ronald Reagan. The very complex drama depicts the life of a group of people from New York against the background of national themes, which examines the AIDS epidemic and political situation during that time. Scholars who explore the play from the historical, political, and sociological point of view, claims that it reconstructs the American nation. I will focus on the notation of progress and change, which exemplifies our struggle between staying put and our need to move forward.
I will investigate the progress of two special characters, who were considered as either weak or insane at the beginning of the play, but as they went through life changing challenges, they became independent and strong personalities. As Fisher pointed out: "The play proceeds to explore the deep anxieties of its characters through their visions of the forces that effect and control their lives, and as they discover their own strengths and weaknesses". How to move forward into an uncertain future if things around us are collapsing is one main question of Tony Kushner’s play. He encourages people to move forward, releasing from the past and to embrace uncertainty because humans just need to progress and change, although it is very painful sometimes. The character Prior sums it up in her a final monologue, telling us that "The world only spins forward". In a broader sense, the question arises how these small human triumphs relate to the play's larger political themes. Progress, especially in today's postmodern era, is mostly considered positive and helpful, considering how newly gained knowledge and technology make life so much easier and more pleasant. Nevertheless, in a progressing world, humanity faces many problems, for example environmental pollution. Besides, traditions and old values disappear or get replaced, while isolation and selfishness proceed.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Progressive towards Apocalypse?
2.1 Harper reflects Eschatology Anxieties
2.2 Virus of Prophecy
3. (Re)establishing a Social Order
3.1 San Francisco - Finding Heaven on Earth
3.2 Prior embraces progressive Change
3.3 Bethesda and Kushner’s Political Vision
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper examines the themes of progress and change in Tony Kushner’s two-part drama "Angels in America," specifically analyzing how the characters Prior Walter and Harper Pitt navigate personal and political crises during the 1980s.
- Analysis of apocalyptic imagery and societal anxieties in the mid-1980s.
- Investigation of individual progress through personal trauma and internal transformation.
- The symbolic role of migration, community, and the "net of souls" in overcoming isolation.
- Exploration of Kushner’s political vision regarding the need for human connection and active participation.
- Contrast between the conservative political climate and the necessity of progressive, humanitarian change.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 San Francisco - Finding Heaven on Earth
After Harper decided to leave her husband, she spends time with her mother-in-law Hannah at the Mormon visiting Center. At the Center she asks the Mormon Mother mannequin how people do change. She tells her a curious story about “mangled guts” after God had pooled them out very painfully and “stuffs them back, dirty, tangled and torn. It’s up to you to do the stitching.” (200) Harper understands the rhetorical image: Separation pain, comparable with strong physical pain, is a side effect of change, but it is up to her to go further to make her feel better.
At one day, Joe came back to her and she recognized the “judgement Day” and says “Water won’t ever accomplish the end. No matter how much you cry…Fire’s the answer.” (237) she wants to express that final decisions are necessary, no matter how difficult they are to take. After Louis admits he has no sexual feelings for her (“I see nothing”), she decided to leave him forever. According to Smith, the play blames Joes attempt to oppress his sexuality, his restraint causes “socially destructive force” (218). Tony Kushner fittingly told in an interview: “The play is about testing human connectedness and, in Harper’s case, about how pernicious loving the wrong person can be” (Kellaway). After her break up, she holds the view, that devastation is the secret of energy: “That’s what makes people migrate, built things. Devasted people…who have lost love” (263).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Introduces the historical and political context of Kushner’s play and defines the focus on the thematic progression of the characters Prior and Harper.
2. Progressive towards Apocalypse?: Discusses the apocalyptic anxieties of the 1980s and the tension between traditional religious views and postmodern challenges.
2.1 Harper reflects Eschatology Anxieties: Analyzes Harper’s use of imagination and visions as coping mechanisms for her personal life and fear of global collapse.
2.2 Virus of Prophecy: Explores Prior Walter’s experience with AIDS and his unwanted role as a prophet, challenging the anti-progressive stance of the Angels.
3. (Re)establishing a Social Order: Examines the second part of the drama, focusing on the potential for restructuring society despite painful personal and political strain.
3.1 San Francisco - Finding Heaven on Earth: Details Harper’s journey of self-discovery and her realization that individual devastation can lead to necessary life changes.
3.2 Prior embraces progressive Change: Describes Prior’s rejection of his prophetic role and his decision to actively embrace life and connection.
3.3 Bethesda and Kushner’s Political Vision: Interprets the finale as a call for community, friendship, and active engagement in political progress.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the work's findings, highlighting the necessity of progress and the power of human community in uncertain times.
Keywords
Angels in America, Tony Kushner, progress, change, apocalypse, AIDS epidemic, postmodernism, Prior Walter, Harper Pitt, community, social order, hope, political theater, 1980s, human connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of the paper?
The paper explores the themes of "progress" and "change" in Tony Kushner’s play "Angels in America," analyzing how the protagonists Prior and Harper navigate the personal and societal challenges of the mid-1980s.
What primary themes are identified in the research?
Central themes include the impact of the AIDS epidemic, apocalyptic anxiety, individual agency, the importance of community building, and the friction between conservative values and progressive social evolution.
What is the core research question?
The paper investigates how characters initially perceived as weak or ostracized transform into independent personalities, and how their individual triumphs relate to the broader political themes of the play.
What methodology does the author apply?
The author employs a literary analysis approach, utilizing historical, political, and sociological perspectives to interpret both the dramatic text and the underlying contemporary issues of the 1980s.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body breaks down the play into two parts, analyzing the apocalyptic visions of characters and their eventual transition toward a renewed sense of order and connection in the "Epilogue."
Which keywords best characterize the study?
Key terms include "Angels in America," "postmodernism," "AIDS epidemic," "progress," "apocalypse," "individual agency," and "multicultural community."
How does the paper interpret Harper Pitt’s imaginative journey?
The paper frames Harper's Antarctica visions not just as mental instability, but as a metaphorical displacement of her emotional trauma, which eventually forces her to face her reality and initiate change.
What role does the "net of souls" play in Kushner’s vision?
The "net of souls" symbolizes a communal support system that repairs the wounds of individual members, representing Kushner’s vision for a multicultural and interdependent American society.
How does Prior Walter’s refusal to be a prophet signify progress?
By rejecting the Angels' demand for restriction and anti-progress, Prior affirms his desire to live fully despite his illness, symbolizing the human decision to move forward rather than succumb to resignation.
What is the significance of the Bethesda Fountain in the conclusion?
The fountain serves as an allegorical site for healing and hope, representing the playwright's message that humanity must act collectively to foster political and social change in a post-millennial world.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2019, Portraying Prior Walter's and Harper Pitt's progressive journey in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1360355
