Duplicity
George is a con man. He is entirely duplicitous and his character highlights the theme that runs through the play; Esther's life changes in the blink of an eye because she has been swindled. George "grooms" Esther as a victim; he makes himself out to be the romantic lead in her life before they meet in person, but reveals himself to be a swindler and a con man once they are together.
Hope
Esther is a character who always sees the glass half full. Her life is the embodiment of hope; she comes to New York with the hope of becoming a successful seamstress, and when she is able to save some money, adjusts her dreams upwards accordingly. She also knows that whilst she has her talent for sewing she has hope; even after George has stolen her money, and left her with no choice other than to go back to the boarding house, she still has hope because she knows that she can sew her way into a better situation again.
Black Female Experience
In 1904, all women were struggling to establish themselves as independent. This was also true of African American women. There are several references within the play regarding the differences in the way Esther feels that black women and white women live their lives, including the way that they are treated as customers in many establishments. She sees white women treated with respect and class, and wants the same for African American women. This is why she wants to open a beauty salon for black women, and treat them just like she sees the white women being treated.
