The Foundation of Friendship
Lynn Nottage’s Sweat is an outstanding example of modern drama where different social themes intersect. One of the critical aspects of the story is the friendship between the main characters. The division of the play into two acts reflects how cold relationships between previously close friends are becoming, and the reason lies in socio-economic changes. Shifts in work status become a cause for conflict, and close friendship does not stand the test, as the play’s events testify.
As close friends, Cynthia, Tracey, and Jessie spend much time at their favorite bar, constantly cheering each other on and relaxing after hard-working shifts. They seek to enjoy socializing while trying to ignore the challenges they face daily, including financial problems. The women perceive themselves as “close friends who’ve shared many adventures” (Nottage 19). The closeness of their friendship is largely based on their similar social status and the principles they adhere to. As a result, the women do their best to diversify their leisure time in a joint company, demonstrating a sense of solidarity and respect for each other.
The Impact of Socio-Economic Changes on Relationships
As the story progresses, it is evident that the characters’ distancing is inevitable in light of the distinctive priorities that are gradually emerging. For instance, when the women face the threat of potential pay cuts, Tracey and Jessie begin to see Cynthia, who gets promoted, as a traitor. Despite the woman’s attempts to justify herself and prove that she is not to blame for the upcoming problems, Tracey answers, “You’re making the same sorry excuses that they do. We’re friends!” (Nottage 77).
This state of affairs clearly demonstrates that friendship must be tested by time and money. In their past lives, women had similar social statuses, which made them equal. However, as soon as one of them achieved more, the other two could not bear it, which became a reason for contention.
Friendship Tested by Inequality and Changing Priorities
Nottage’s theme of friendship in Sweat demonstrates an acute issue: social inequality causes contention between previously close friends. The two eras in which the characters are introduced depict the women’s distinctive perceptions of life priorities, which affect their relationships. As a result, people who were previously bound by common interests become almost open enemies.
Work Cited
Nottage, Lynn. Sweat. Theatre Communications Group, 2017.