True West Theme of Power

It's probably not the best thing to say that all relationships are about who is in power. Hopefully, that is not the case in the real world. Unfortunately, power does play a role in many relationships, and Shepard seems committed to exposing that theme.

Austin and Lee play with power throughout the play. For the most part, it seems that Lee has the upper hand, but that's not necessarily the case. For the brothers, power comes from intimidation, which Lee has a monopoly on early in the play, but it also stems from having something the other needs or wants.

Power shifts occur in True West when one of the brothers suddenly needs something from the other. Lee is perhaps at his weakest when he discovers that he simply can't write his screenplay without Austin's help. He offers him half of the money; he even begs in his own way:

Lee: You could save this thing for me, Austin. I'd give ya' half the money[…]I'd never bother you again. I promise. You'd never even see me again. (2.7.175-179)

For a moment, it looks like all of the power has fallen into Austin's hands, but it shifts again when Austin realizes all he wants to do is get out of this life and go to the desert. When Austin screams, "There's nothin' real down here, Lee! Least of all me!" (2.8.250), Lee realizes he's got him. He'll take Austin to the desert if Austin writes the screenplay for him and gives him the money and the credit.

Part of what makes True West so exciting to watch (and read) is that these power shifts occur throughout the play, so you never quite know how things are going to turn out. This is the case because at one time or another both brothers desperately need something from the other.

1. What are three distinct power shifts that take place in the play?
2. What does Austin have that Lee needs?
3. At what point are the brothers true equals?
4. Do you think Mom has power over her sons? If so, how does Shepard make that clear in the text? If not, how does Shepard make that clear in the text?

Power can only be gained when one brother possesses something the other desperately wants.

When Lee pops up from near-death at the end of the play, he doesn't violently lash out at Austin, because he realizes that for the first time ever, they are equals.