Theme Of Identity In Topdog/Underdog

Identity of the characters in any type of literary work can set the stage for the complete background of the story. According to Michael LeMahieu “identity is a role one performs publicly for an audience rather than a private essence one contains inside” (LeMahieu 33). It allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the meanings behind the characters. This holds true revolving around the identity of the characters in Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks and Joe Turner’s Cone and Gone by August Wilson. Through both of these works, the identity of the characters is shown through racial identity, name symbolism, and denial. To understand the role of identity, it is important to examine the titles of the literary works and to see what the deeper meaning behind them is. In the play Topdog/Underdog, both names can be applied to the two main characters in the play. In the begin of the play, Lincoln is known as the topdog because he currently holds a job and he is also the older brother. Booth is known as the underdog because he is unemployed and the …show more content…
Racial identity plays a big role in Topdog/Underdog. The first instance of racial identity is shown when Lincoln is treated differently at his job because he is a African American. (ADD QUOTE). Later in the play Lincoln goes on to say, “now they talking bout cutting me, replacing me with uh wax dummy” (Parks 55). Racial identity is also shown in the final scene when Lincoln and Booth take a picture, but Lincoln will not put his full beard and makeup on. Right after Booth asks to take a picture the stage directions state “Lincoln quickly puts on the getup, including 2 thin smears of white pancake makeup, more like war paint than whiteface” (Parks 94). The fact that Lincoln only put on two stripes like war paint not only shows he does not like having to cover his identity, but also the war paint can symbolize that he has a warrior within