Anonymous Young Black Man Character Analysis in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992

Smith interviews an anonymous young Black man who describes his experiences as a former gang member. The man concludes his interview by identifying “Am I Dreaming” by Atlantic Star as his favorite song. The song’s romantic lyrics contrast with the man’s earlier depiction of himself as a ruthless killer capable of shooting someone in broad daylight. This contradiction humanizes the man, complicating the “us vs. them” dichotomy established earlier in the play that paints Black people as hostile and violent and white people as victims of this violence and hostility.

Anonymous Young Black Man Character Timeline in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992

The timeline below shows where the character Anonymous Young Black Man appears in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Smith interviews An anonymous young Black man who is a gang member. The man sits in his mother’s fancy apartment building. He’s... (full context)

The man remembers how he and his brother used to call themselves the Blues Brothers, after the... (full context)

Smith changes the topic, asking the man about his favorite song. He tells her he likes oldies, and his favorite song is... (full context)