Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Louis and Belize
While reading the part in Act Three where Louis and Belize are having their talk about their personal views, why do you think Kushner decided to have them discuss politics at a time like this as opposed to discussing the seemingly intense state of Prior, someone they both hold in high regard? I also questioned why Kushner decided to have Louis elaborate on his political views to the extent that he did when the reader already had a clear sense of his strong character?
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All throughout part one, there is this question that keeps coming up pertaining to the spiritual center in America, does it exist and what is it? This also pertains to the response paper question we just answered. Louis left Prior because he didn't know how to deal with death, especially a death caused by the AIDs epidemic. If you'll remember in the beginning of the play, we already knew that he would leave Prior when he went to the Rabbi for guidance. This spiel on politics is necessary, because if there were a spiritual center in America, then it would guide Louis to the answers he is looking for, especially when he is contemplating leaving Prior. So it's all connected, really, because we have multiple views on America, and America's identity (two of which being from the Rabbi and Louis), setting us up for the "answer" that I predict will be revealed in Part Two.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Kushner decided to elaborate the dialogue of Belize and Louis about politics, because it reveals a whole lot of information about the characters and their beliefs and how they view the life. I also think it's a really important part of the first play, because Louis's view of America contradicts the main idea of the book. At the beginning of the first act the Rabi tells us: "In you the journey is." He tells us that America is not a good place to live anymore and in order to change that, people need to change, because that is the only way to change the thinking of whole nation. However, Louis cares only about the politics, believes that America doesn't have any problems and doesn't need change, it just needs time and time will solve everything. I think the idea of acceptance of change is the main theme of the play and that's why Kushner decided to discuss politics in that particular scene.
ReplyDeleteLouis and Belize's political argument is useful for understanding Louis's character and the characters' attitude towards politics and race. Louis only cares about politics because he believes that America doesn't have to change and has no problems, it is the best country. It is a young country with little history, so it can solve things out and correct them thru politics. Belize on the other hand seems to care more about race for obvious reasons and points out all of the things that are flawed with Louis's ideas on politics and America. So for me, it seems like Belize is more politically "correct" than Louis even though Louis thinks he knows everything about America and it's politics.
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