Suzan-lori Parks' "Topdog/underdog"

Introduction

Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Topdog/Underdog" is a profound exploration of the complexities of identity, power, and human relationships. Through the lives of two African American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, Parks delves into the themes of family, rivalry, and the struggle for self-worth in a society rife with systemic inequalities. The play, set in a single-room boarding house, uses a minimalist setting to focus intensely on the characters' interactions and inner turmoil. This essay provides an analysis of how Parks constructs the narrative to highlight the fluidity of power dynamics and the impact of historical and personal trauma on identity formation. By examining key scenes and character development, this analysis will demonstrate how "Topdog/Underdog" is a critical commentary on the enduring legacy of racial and economic disenfranchisement.

Body Paragraphs

The narrative of "Topdog/Underdog" revolves around the relationship between Lincoln and Booth, whose parents named them after the infamous historical figures. This naming is not merely a coincidence but a deliberate choice by Parks to underscore the weight of history on the characters' lives. Lincoln, the elder brother, once a master at the street con game Three-card Monte, now works as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator in a mock assassination at an arcade. This job is both metaphorically and literally oppressive, as it forces Lincoln to relive a traumatic historical moment daily. Booth, living in his brother's shadow and aspiring to emulate Lincoln's former success in hustling, is caught in a cycle of envy and inadequacy. Parks uses this dynamic to explore how historical legacies and personal aspirations can entrap individuals in roles that perpetuate their struggles.

The play's minimalist setting—a shabby, single-room apartment—serves as a physical manifestation of the brothers' constrained lives. The sparse environment focuses attention on the characters' dialogue and actions, emphasizing their psychological and emotional states. Parks employs language as a powerful tool to reveal the characters' vulnerabilities and desires. Lincoln's monologues about his past and Booth's attempts to impress his brother with his limited con skills reveal the deep-seated need for validation and respect. The brothers' interactions are laden with tension, as each seeks to assert dominance over the other, reflecting the broader societal pressures they face.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Topdog/Underdog" is its exploration of identity through the lens of performance. Lincoln's job as a Lincoln impersonator is a form of forced performance, where he must don whiteface and play a role that strips him of his dignity. This act of impersonation can be seen as a metaphor for the ways in which African Americans have historically been compelled to perform roles defined by white society. Booth, on the other hand, aspires to the performative success of the street hustler, a role that he believes will grant him power and respect. However, his inability to master Three-card Monte symbolizes the elusiveness of this power. Parks thus critiques the notion that identity can be constructed solely through external validation and performance, suggesting instead that true self-worth must come from within.

The climax of the play, where Booth fatally shoots Lincoln, is a tragic culmination of the brothers' fraught relationship. This act of violence is not just a personal tragedy but also a commentary on the destructive effects of systemic oppression. The brothers' namesakes—Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth—foreshadow this inevitable clash, linking their personal downfall to the broader narrative of racial violence in American history. By drawing this parallel, Parks emphasizes that the brothers' struggles are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, ongoing story of disenfranchisement and resilience.

Conclusion

In "Topdog/Underdog," Suzan-Lori Parks crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant, using the relationship between Lincoln and Booth to explore themes of power, identity, and historical legacy. Through the play's minimalist setting, sharp dialogue, and symbolic use of performance, Parks delves into the complexities of African American identity and the pervasive impact of systemic oppression. The tragic ending serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggles faced by those marginalized by society. Ultimately, "Topdog/Underdog" is a poignant and critical examination of the ways in which history and personal aspirations intersect, shaping the identities and destinies of individuals in profound ways.