Ming Chen
Dr. Cat Gleason
TH1100
October 3rd .2013 Journal Response #3: Topdog/Underdog
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power"(Abraham Lincoln). Different people hold different attitude bout power, some people may think power will bring people harm; some people may prefer power because it represents a man’s character. However, The real question comes out the whole play, Topdog/Underdog, is who is the top dog? Who is the under dog? As far as I am concerned, they are both topdogs.
Lincoln is the topdog. For example,the author of the play states in the beginning pages of the play writes out the answer of this question: Lincoln, the older brother, is the "top dog" ; Booth, the younger brother, is "the under dog." Thus, whether reading the play or not, the result has already made completely sense. The older brother is always on top, the younger brother is always in the shadow. Moreover, in the entire play, Lincoln always dresses up nice: an antique frock coat and a top hat. He looks like Abraham Lincoln, who was a powerful man. In addition, he is a former street corner hustler, he plays three cards so well that his unemployed brother Booth wishes he has the same three-card monte abilities. he and his team sometimes can make thousands dollars in a week. Lincoln is also successful at his loving life at the early stage of his adulthood. He got married with Cookie, though she divorced with him later, when he is not able to earn some big money. Furthermore, Lincoln lets Booth win a few times on purpose when Booth plays cards with him, when it comes to real money, Booth lose. Also, now he has a stable job, which makes his living as a Lincoln impersonator at a nearby arcade, which he is proud of himself.
On the other hand, Booth is the topdog. Booth has everything under control: using his older brother’s paycheck in whatever way he wants, and has the apartment to live. Another example to represent Booth is topdog is at the beginning of the play, Booth is playing the game of 3-card monte, Booth is so involved with the cards that he does not hear Lincoln enter the room. Then, the stage directions say “Booth, sensing someone behind him, whirls around, pulling a gun from his pants. While the presence of Lincoln doesn’t surprise him, the Lincoln costume does.” (Parks 13). Booth’s gun is a big symbol of power, which mean he is the topdog he decides Lincoln’s life. Moreover, he has sex with Lincoln’s ex-wife which means he is stronger than Lincoln. Most importantly, he killed his brother Lincoln because he wants Lincoln to know who is the real topdog, who is the underdog.
To draw a conclusion, “This is a play about family wounds and healing. Welcome to the family” (Parks 4). After reding this play, in my opinion, Lincoln and Booth are both topdog, because we both have power and play each other.
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