Angels In America Scene Analysis

In creating blocking for Angels in America, I chose Act 2, scene 9 because I feel it not only is a climatic moment for all of the characters involved but it also is a point of revelation of their characters as well. The scene is a split scene. Its pace is almost frantic as they try and find resolution to their problems. It is the conflict between the characters that fuels the pace and leads to a tipping point at the end for both couples. In this scene, Harper has become frustrated with Joe. She begins to become more adamant. She has always relied upon the Valium to take her out of these type of situations but this time she is much more assertive with Joe. At one point, she recommends that he leave without her. However, her weakness is being alone she tries to approach Joe once again. Unfortunately this is where Joe reveals to her that he is the man with the knives and she retreats again to her comfort zone and disappears. Joe is very conflicted. He knows he is gay but he is also sympathetic to Harper and cares about her. He knows deep down who he wants. Throughout the argument he continues to plead with her almost out of a sense of necessity because he is her husband but really not wanting to continue the facade of marriage. He has seemingly lost a power

He feels bad and follows her around the stage. When she recommends him leaving he is starting to move in an opposite direction from her (line 28) and then he starts to move towards her (line 34) but instead is drawn to the center of the stage in a position next to Louis in the adjoining room. This was an intentional movement that displays Harper and Joe at opposite ends and a symmetrical placement of Louis. Their positions onstage represent a choice Joe has to make. He and Harper have a face to face confrontation (line 56) and he moves away from her in frustration. When she follows him, he finally reveals who he really is. Harper then leaves his side and exits, leaving him