Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Intimate Apparel, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Intimacy and Friendship
Race, Class, and Exploitation
Gender and Expectations
The American Dream
Summary
Analysis
Mr. Marks unrolls a roll of bright blue fabric and discovers Esther in his apartment. He's surprised to see her, but they greet each other warmly. Esther says that she's been trying to work up the courage to come in, and reminds him of the special Japanese silk he sold her some months ago. She says that she made it into a smoking jacket, per his suggestion, and she wants him to have it. She insists, and Mr. Marks accepts the jacket. Esther turns to leave, but Mr. Marks asks her to wait. He takes off his jacket and puts the smoking jacket on. Esther smiles and says it fits beautifully. She steps towards him, asks permission, and then nervously smoothes the shoulders and lapels. They meet each other's eyes and then Esther leaves.
This moment between Mr. Marks and Esther is arguably the most intimate moment of the play, as it shows how meaningful it can be to let someone in, trust them, and show them real care. Though this is as far as Esther and Mr. Marks's relationship will ever go, this impresses upon Esther that friendship, even if there is a sexual undercurrent, is far more fulfilling than marital or sexual relationships like she, Mayme, and Mrs. Van Buren have had with their spouses or sexual partners.
Themes
