True West Competition Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line

Quote #4

Lee: Don't you say that to me! Don't you ever say that to me! (1.1.139) 

This is Lee's reaction to Austin offering him money. Well, this is his reaction after he lunges at Austin and grabs him violently. This shows that Lee doesn't do well when the competition leans in favor of Austin. He can't handle that Austin is in a position to help him.

Quote #5

Lee: In fact I been in classy places in my time. And I never even went to an Ivy League school either. (1.2.48-49)

Okay, so it's probably pretty obvious that Lee's quotes dominate the competition theme early on. He drives the conflict at the top of the play, and he often does it by trying to show how he has done just as much as Austin despite the fact that he didn't have Austin's opportunities. He also manages to make Austin's opportunities seem like fodder for ridicule.

Quote #6

Lee: I play a lota' golf. (1.3.40)

This is just a little bit of Lee's evil genius. Saul starts talking about golf. Lee lets it be known that he plays, which spurns a little friendly competitive talk between him and Saul. This leads to the golf game, which leads to Lee getting Saul to pick up his movie idea. Not bad for a simple little line that seems harmless at first glance.