Facets of Struggle in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running

Abstract

This paper explores the various facets of struggle and resistance in August Wilson’s dramatic play Two Trains Running. It highlights the manifestations of the African American struggle while examining the degree to which this struggle affects characters’ identities and their psyches in the long run. Given that August Wilson is one of the leading figures in African American literature, specifically Drama and Theatre, it is paramount to consider his work in the historical context that the events revolve around, as it is quite significant and analogous to the thematic dimension of the play. Based on a textual, thematic, and character analysis, this paper analyzes the different facets and aspects of struggle and resistance represented in Two Trains Running, which includes, mainly, social, economic, and psychological struggles. Moreover, it elaborates on the ways this struggle has affected and shaped their identities, psyches, and perceptions towards themselves, each other, and their community. Besides, it examines the major racial conflicts that contributed to the tension between characters and that ultimately manifest in their social interactions and attitudes.