Angels in America

Angels in America

by

Tony Kushner

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Angels in America: Perestroika: Act 4, Scene 7 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The scene opens with Joe having sex with Harper in their apartment. After they’re finished, Harper asks Joe why he closes his eyes during sex—is he imagining men? Joe admits that he is. Harper laughs and tells Joe the irony of this: the only time in her day when she doesn’t imagine fantasies is when she’s with Joe.
Although Kushner has shown how fantasy can bring together unlike people, here he suggests that Joe and Harper will always be separated by their respective fantasy-lives.
Themes
Prophets and Prophecies Theme Icon
Fantasy, Escape, and Tragedy Theme Icon
The Clash between People and Principles Theme Icon
Joe gets up and tells her that he needs to go and take care of some things. Harper, furious, tells Joe, “Look at me!” Joe looks and says, “I see nothing.” Harper thanks Joe for telling the truth, and Joe leaves the apartment.
Joe and Harper seem to reach something of a truce—they acknowledge that they can never really be romantic lovers, even if they love each other as people.
Themes
The Clash between People and Principles Theme Icon