Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is a monumental work of literature that challenges the reader to confront the realities of human suffering and identity. This complete edition of Kushner’s two-part masterpiece features both “Millennium Approaches” and “Perestroika,” offering an unforgettable journey through love, death, and redemption. Combining history, politics, philosophy, surrealism, and humor, Kushner has crafted a work of immense power and beauty that will continue to stir readers for generations to come. With its evocative dialogue, cleverly constructed plotlines, and memorable characters, Angels in America is an essential read.
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) Review
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is a modern classic of American theater. Written by Tony Kushner, this two-part play chronicles the struggle and joys of gay life in Reagan-era New York City. It captures the moment when AIDS began to ravage the gay community and explores how people find hope and strength during a time of crisis.
The Key Features of Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) are:
- Complete edition of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play
- Explores issues of politics, religion, sexuality, and morality
- Tony Kushner’s masterpiece showcases his talent for blending humor with pathos
- A must-have for any fan of modern American theater
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is a groundbreaking work that has earned its place as one of the most important plays of our era. This complete edition includes both parts – Millennium Approaches and Perestroika – so you can experience the full power of Tony Kushner’s vision. With its unique blend of comedy and tragedy, Angels in America captures both the despair and hope that come from facing social issues like politics, religion, sexuality, and morality. Whether you’re an avid reader or a lover of live theater, this play is sure to captivate you with its remarkable story about finding love in unexpected places.
Product Details
Product | Details |
---|---|
Name | Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) |
Author | Tony Kushner |
Type | Paperback book |
Publisher | Vintage International, 1993 |
Format/Edition | Complete edition (1st edition) |
Pages | 528 pages |
ISBN-10 | 1559363843 |
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) Pros and Cons
1. Pros:
Angels in America is an acclaimed play that has won numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. It is widely regarded as one of the most important works about gay life in the United States. The play’s unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and drama has made it a favorite among theatergoers. Angels in America is also notable for its exploration of themes related to religion, politics, and sexuality.
2. Cons:
Though Angels in America is a classic work of American theatre, some may find its dense plot and dialogue challenging to follow. Additionally, the play deals with sensitive topics such as AIDS and homosexuality which may be difficult for some viewers to watch.
Who are They for
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is one of the most influential works of American drama ever written. Written by Tony Kushner, it is a daring examination of life during the AIDS crisis and its effects on individuals, relationships, and society at large. With its powerful themes of love, loss, identity, and redemption, Angels in America has been hailed as a masterpiece by critics around the world.
A two-part epic that spans seven interwoven stories, the play follows the lives of several different characters as they grapple with issues such as religion, sexuality, politics, and mortality. This complete edition includes both parts of the play—Millennium Approaches and Perestroika—as well as Kushner’s epilogue “The Great Work Begins.” It also features an introduction by scholar Tony Tanner and an afterword by Kushner himself.
For those looking to explore the complex themes presented in this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Angels in America is a must-read. It’s an unforgettable story about what it means to be human in an often cruel world.
My Experience for Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International)
I was looking for a book that could transport me to another world, and then I found Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International). From the moment I opened the first pages, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play from Tony Kushner is a tour de force of theatrical brilliance. Spanning two parts and over seven hours of reading, it’s an epic journey into 1980’s America, where politics and religion collide. It’s a powerful examination of identity and morality, as well as a stunning exploration of love and loss.
The characters are vibrant and complex, ranging from angels to prophets to drag queens. The language is lyrical and poetic — it reads like poetry. And the themes — faith, justice, love — will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Angels in America is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It challenged my perspective on so many issues, made me laugh out loud, and brought me to tears. There were moments when I felt like I was actually part of the story — as if I was living in that world along with the characters.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking work of literature that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is definitely worth your time.
What I don’t Like
1. Lengthy: Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is a long and complex play, spanning two parts and seven hours of reading time.
2. Difficult to Follow: The language of the play is dense and difficult to follow for some readers, making it hard to stay engaged.
3. Not for Everyone: The subject matter of the play may be too heavy or challenging for some readers, as it deals with themes such as AIDS, politics, religion, culture and sexuality.
4. Expensive: This edition of Angels in America can be expensive compared to other books of similar length.
How to Explore the Themes in Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is an award-winning play by American playwright Tony Kushner. It explores a range of themes, including religion, politics, AIDS, and homosexuality. By reading this iconic work, you can gain insight into some of the most important issues facing our society today. Here are some tips for exploring the themes of Angels in America.
1. Read the Play Carefully: Before beginning to explore the themes in Angels in America, it is important to read the play carefully. Consider what each character is saying and how they relate to one another. Think about how their stories intertwine and how events unfold throughout the play.
2. Identify Major Themes: As you are reading through Angels in America, keep track of any recurring ideas or motifs. Look out for references to topics such as faith, mortality, family dynamics, politics, and other complex issues. Try to identify which characters represent certain beliefs or values and how they interact with one another.
3. Analyze Characters’ Perspectives: Once you have identified major themes in the play, look deeper at characters’ perspectives on those themes. How does each character feel about God? What do they think about death? Do their views change over time? Reading between the lines can help you gain insight into each character’s thoughts and feelings about various issues.
4. Consider Key Symbols: Symbols are used throughout Angels in America to represent different things. For example, Prior Walter’s angel may symbolize hope or divine intervention, while Roy’s Valium represents escapism from reality and pain. Pay attention to these symbols as you read so that you can get a better understanding of their meanings within the context of the story.
By taking the time to explore the themes presented in Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International), readers can gain valuable insights into some of the most important social issues of our time.
Questions about Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International)
What is Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes?
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes (Vintage International) is a two-part play written by Tony Kushner which explores the AIDS epidemic and its effects on society. It features multiple storylines, characters, and dialogues that weave together to create a powerful narrative. It was first published in 1993 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1994.
What themes does Angels in America explore?
Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes examines a wide range of social issues including homophobia, religion, politics, AIDS, and how they intersect with different lives and identities. It also touches on themes of love, loss, identity, and acceptance.
Who are some of the characters featured in Angels in America?
The characters featured in Angels in America include: Prior Walter, a gay man living with AIDS; Louis Ironson, Prior’s lover; Joe Pitt, a Mormon lawyer struggling with his sexuality; Harper Pitt, Joe’s wife; Roy Cohn, a ruthless lawyer; Hannah Pitt, Joe’s mother; Belize, Prior’s friend; and the Angel of America.
Why should I read Angels in America?
Angels in America is an important work of literature that offers powerful insight into the effects of the AIDS epidemic on society at large. It is an emotionally gripping story that features complex characters and thought-provoking dialogue. If you’re looking for an engaging read that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished it, Angels in America is the perfect choice.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.