How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line
Quote #7
Austin: I'm talkin' about what are you gonna give me. You don't have nothin' to give me. (2.7.79-80)
Bam! Austin just boiled down power in True West to its core. The brothers truly have power over each other when they have something the other needs. If you have nothing necessary, you have no power.
Quote #8
Lee: Tell you what I'll do, little brother. I might just consider makin' you a deal. (2.8.274-275)
Lee is back on top, baby. He's got something Austin needs again, and now he can call the shots. Just to reiterate this, he calls Austin "little brother" to remind him who has seniority and who has the power.
Quote #9
(AUSTIN pulls cord tighter, stands with one foot planted on LEE'S back and the cord stretched taught) (2.9.263-264)
It's like Austin is standing over a beast he's captured. This is the ultimate moment of power for Austin. It won't last long, but he won't go back to being dominated. This has helped him achieve equal standing with his big brother.