In a prior post, I was discussing the dysfunctional aspect of the character Harper in Angels In America. This week I wanted to revisit her, and her perspective of life particularly in the scene where she travels with Mr. Lies to Antartica. At first, I thought that it was quite odd to have an escape to somewhere so frigid and desolate. However, the more that I pondered over it I began to realize that this setting was perfect for her character. Desolation is what she needed...complete aloneness with the whole world open to her. In addition, the idea of Antartica being completely white/covered in snow is a symbol of purity and innocence to the audience, almost as if she is cleansing herself of all the twisted lies and terrible aspects of her real-life situation. Her all-white outfit too can be representative of this idea of stripping herself of her identity and reconnecting and reinventing herself. Harper is such a unique character because her true feelings and thoughts are heard primarily in these hallucinations. One thing that struck me as an audience member was when she felt that she needed a companion (i.e., the Eskimo). This companion, played by Joe's character, was incredibly fascinating to me. I believe that the pairing of Harper with the Eskimo could symbolize her lack of direction in the future coupled with her desire to salvage a dissipating marriage. I am eager to see what will happen with Joe and Harper's relationship as we move through this play. If I had to make assumptions, I would gather that this idea of aloneness foreshadows the future.
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