Angels in America Lesson Plan

What do you think of Joe and Louis's relationship as portrayed in Act Three? Why do you think the dynamic between them has developed as it has? Why do you think it led to the relationship ending the way it did?

Neither Louis or Joe entered into their relationship in very stable places personally. Louis is filled with self-loathing for leaving Prior and totally overwhelmed by the reality of Prior's illness. Joe is having his first encounter with a man after years of self-reproach and self-denial. Despite what Louis says, not believing one is worthy of love is not a very good basis for building a healthy relationship. The two men also have wildly different expectations for...