How are Kushner´s characters in "Angels in America" dealing with the new challenges in the changing postmodern world of the 1980s? Which position does the play take towards the ambivalence of progress? These questions are now to be analysed in the following term paper. Therefore the two positions contra and pro progress are closely examined and carefully weighed up against each other. Not to go beyond the scope of this term paper, only the main points of the notion of progress in "Angels in America" are worked out and exemplary substantiated.
"[Y]our ambivalent about everything", Belize characterizes Louis suitably in one of their discussions about politics and society. As this quotation is linked to one character of Tony Kushner´s "Angels in America", which consists of the two books called "Millenium Approaches" and "Perestroika", one could surely transfer this statement to the whole play. Ambivalence plays a main role within the drama and consequently throws up many significant questions. One of them deals with the notion of progress. Kushner takes up the theme of progress and throws light on its ambivalent character.
Progress, especially in today´s postmodern era, can be connected to something positive, considering the amount of knowledge and new technologies, which make life easier. Moreover personal progress implies strive for improvement, which is inherent in every human being. Nevertheless a progressing world is a world in which things are getting faster and often uncontrollable. Traditions and old values die, while individualisation and isolation grow, which leads to the rise of uncertainty.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: The ambivalence of progress
- 2. The desire to stop progress
- 2.1. The Angel's reaction on human progress: “You must stop moving!”
- 2.2. Moral degeneration: “This is not a good world.”
- 3. Progress as something deeply human
- 3.1. Prior's reaction on the Angel: “We can't just stop.”
- 3.2. Progress as chance for change: “The Great Work Begins.”
- 4. Conclusion: Progress into what?
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the ambivalent portrayal of progress in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America," examining the contrasting perspectives of characters within the play. It explores how the characters grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing postmodern world, weighing the positive and negative aspects of progress. The analysis focuses on the interplay between the desire to halt progress and the acceptance of its inherent human nature.
- The ambivalent nature of progress in a postmodern context.
- The contrasting viewpoints on progress presented by the play's characters.
- The connection between progress and loss or moral degeneration.
- The role of historical context in shaping perspectives on progress.
- The potential for progress as a catalyst for change.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: The ambivalence of progress: This introductory chapter establishes the central theme of the paper: the ambivalent nature of progress as depicted in Kushner's "Angels in America." It introduces the play's characters and their complex relationships, highlighting the inherent contradictions within the concept of progress, particularly in the postmodern era. The chapter sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the contrasting positions—pro and con—on progress, which will be explored in subsequent chapters. The author aims to examine how these contrasting viewpoints are presented and how they interact within the context of the play.
2. The desire to stop progress: This chapter focuses on the perspective of those who view progress negatively. The analysis centers on the Angel's staunch opposition to progress, linking this stance to a fear of loss and the perceived moral degeneration of society. The chapter explores the Angel's depiction of heaven as a place frozen in time, contrasting it with the dynamic and ever-changing world of humanity. The Angel's choice of Prior Walter as a prophet is analyzed in detail, emphasizing Prior's connection to the past and his personal experiences of loss as contributing factors to the Angel's message. The chapter ultimately argues that the desire to halt progress stems from a profound sense of helplessness and a yearning for a return to past values.
3. Progress as something deeply human: This chapter shifts the focus to the opposing viewpoint, emphasizing the inherently human aspect of progress and its potential for positive change. It contrasts the Angel's perspective with that of Prior Walter, who, despite his suffering, embraces the notion of continuing forward. This chapter explores the idea that the "Great Work Begins," suggesting that despite the challenges and losses associated with progress, it offers opportunities for growth and transformation. The argument presented here emphasizes the human capacity for change and the positive aspects of pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. The chapter connects this perspective to themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit's drive for betterment.
Keywords
Progress, postmodernity, ambivalence, loss, moral degeneration, change, Angels in America, Tony Kushner, AIDS, heaven, history.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analyzing Progress in Tony Kushner's "Angels in America"
What is the main topic of this academic paper preview?
This preview summarizes an academic paper analyzing the ambivalent portrayal of progress in Tony Kushner's play, "Angels in America." It examines contrasting perspectives on progress within the play, exploring the tension between the desire to halt progress and the acceptance of its inherent human nature.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the ambivalent nature of progress in a postmodern context, contrasting viewpoints on progress among the play's characters, the connection between progress and loss/moral degeneration, the role of historical context in shaping perspectives on progress, and the potential for progress as a catalyst for change.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction establishing the theme of ambivalent progress; a chapter focusing on the desire to stop progress, primarily through the Angel's perspective; a chapter exploring the opposing viewpoint of progress as deeply human, exemplified by Prior Walter; and a concluding chapter reflecting on the nature of progress.
How does the paper analyze the contrasting viewpoints on progress?
The paper analyzes the contrasting viewpoints by focusing on the perspectives of key characters, such as the Angel who opposes progress and Prior Walter who embraces it. It examines their arguments, motivations, and the historical and social contexts shaping their positions.
What specific aspects of "Angels in America" does the paper analyze?
The paper analyzes the Angel's opposition to progress, linking it to a fear of loss and moral degeneration. It explores the Angel's depiction of heaven and analyzes Prior Walter's acceptance of progress and the concept of the "Great Work Begins." The interplay between these opposing perspectives is central to the analysis.
What are the key characters discussed in the paper preview?
The key characters discussed are the Angel and Prior Walter. Their contrasting views on progress form the central conflict analyzed in the paper.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Progress, postmodernity, ambivalence, loss, moral degeneration, change, Angels in America, Tony Kushner, AIDS, heaven, and history.
What is the overall argument of the paper?
The paper argues that "Angels in America" presents a complex and ambivalent view of progress, highlighting the tension between the desire to return to a perceived simpler past and the inherent human drive towards change and advancement, even amidst loss and suffering.
What kind of audience is this paper intended for?
This paper is intended for an academic audience interested in the themes of progress, postmodernity, and the analysis of dramatic literature, particularly Tony Kushner's "Angels in America."
Where can I find the full academic paper?
The preview does not specify where the full paper can be found. Further information would be needed to locate the complete work.
- Quote paper
- Sarah Wenzel (Author), 2011, The Notion of Progress in Kushner´s "Angels in America", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/471469
