The America Play

by

Suzan-Lori Parks

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The America Play: Act 2: The Hall of Wonders Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
“A gunshot echoes. Loudly. And echoes,” the stage directions begin, and then repeat, but only after restating that the setting is “an exact replica of The Great Hole of History.” Finally, the directions note that “Lucy with ear trumpet circulates,” and “Brazil digs.”
The echoing gunshot and setting tie the first act to the second—both are traces of the Foundling Father’s presence, even though he does not appear in the scene. However, Parks already draws a contrast between the Foundling Father—who had gone partially deaf and given up digging—and Lucy and Brazil, who are listening attentively and digging, respectively.
Themes
Theater and Reality Theme Icon
Family, Trauma, and Personal Identity Theme Icon
Quotes