Concept of Truth in Trouble in Mind
Subject: Trouble in Mind
The concept of truth is played around with a lot in Trouble in Mind. It mainly involves the two main characters Wiletta and Manners. “Truth is simply whatever you can bring yourself to believe, that is all.” On one side of the truth spectrum there is the black actress Wiletta. Wiletta knows what it is like to be pushed aside. Racism is still a strong component of everyday life. On the other side is Manners. At the beginning of the play he lets everyone know that he wants everything to work out well, showing not a trace of racism. However toward the end of the play we see that Manners has been holding his true feelings back a little. In the end one truth remains the same in the play. Truth isn’t always the best ting to hear, but it’s the truth and it feels better. Wiletta may not ever become the famous actress, but at least she is being true to herself by trying.
posted by Michael Todd @ 10:25 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Do you think that the reason Manners was not completely up front with some of his racist tendencies was because he was trying so hard to repress them? With any issue regarding prejudice, it seems like many people try to overcompensate to hide their inner feelings. I believe that if Manners had completely come to terms with his own racial tendencies, than he would try less to compensate for them and not blow up in the end.
You said that the truth feels better do you think in the case of Manners that telling the truth made him feel better? I felt like he was still pretty screwed up even after he admitted that he was racist. Also do you think that it would have taken away significantly from the play altogether if Manners in the very beginning was to express to everyone that he was a racist?
In response to Rebecca, yes I believe that Manners' denail of racism is what kept it under the surface at the beginning of the play. He did not admit to being a racist because he did not want to be a racist. In response to Crystal, yes Manners admiting his racism at the beginning of the play would completely change things. In face I think it would render the play useless. The play is based around this tension between Manners and the cast as well as all of the characters internal struggle. Without the conflict of bringing out Manners racism and making him confront it there would be no play.
I agree with Rebecca and Dan. Often we hide our true perspective on an issue when we know that society does not accept it. I the case of manners he was trying to conform with the changing society and appreciate the new ideology of accepting everyone no matter their race or creed. However, Manners as an individual had been tainted by years of historical bigotry. Even today, 52 years since the play was written, it is ideal to accept everyone, but history has not been forgotten and some racist viewpoints are still very prominent in society.
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