The play “Intimate Apparel” by Lynn Nottage concerns a young African-American female named Esther to pursue her independence and dreams. The setting of this play in New York City in the year 1905. She becomes pretty successful; however, she does not have social and romantic connections, which leaves her lonely. Get legit paper writing services now!
She gets further tormented by George Armstrong’s act of stealing her savings and spends the money lavishly. She, however, relies on her conscientiousness to put her life back together and ends up finding a lover, and is pregnant by the end of the play (Nottage, 2006). In this Reflection on Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel”, I shall reflect on my understanding of Esther’s character in the play “Intimate Apparel” by Lynn Nottage.
Nottage illustrates the impact of city-dwelling on the individual’s relationships, such as friendships and intimate relationships. The protagonist’s prioritization of her work makes her life unbalanced, leaving her vulnerable to predators like George Armstrong. Furthermore, people in the cities become less trustworthy than Esther’s background culture.
Due to the large population, social connections become more superficial and based on minimal background information (Nottage, 2006). The author uses intimate undergarments domestic and personal spaces to increase the audience’s connection to the characters.
Being a woman, Lynn Nottage touches on the issue of gender and consequential expectations. The author uses two female characters who have suffered significantly in their relationship with men, thus opting to live a solitary life. The fact that they are not attached to men or children makes them feel like social outcasts despite their contribution to society through their work.
This is less so with male characters like George Armstrong, who has the audacity to prey on and steal from Esther (Nottage, 2006). Despite her experience with malevolence, she does not become resentful and instead forms healthier relationships.
A Reflection on Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” Reference
Nottage, L. (2006). Intimate Apparel/Fabulation. Theatre Communications Group.
