A Dive into Tony Kushner’s Thinking About the Longstanding Problems of Virtue
As a book lover with a penchant for well-crafted narratives and deeply probing themes, I was drawn to Thinking About the Longstanding Problems of Virtue: Essays, A Play, Two Poems and a Prayer by Tony Kushner. Known for his groundbreaking work in Angels in America, I found myself eager to explore how this Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright would navigate the intricate landscapes of human experience in this eclectic collection.
Kushner’s work pivots around the turmoil of the human condition, particularly as it grapples with socio-political realities. The centerpiece of this collection is the play Slavs!, a comic yet incisively critical examination of the Soviet Union’s dissolution. While some may argue it’s not his best work, I found it a fascinating lens through which to understand collective struggle and identity. The characters resonate with complexity; their humorous dialogues mask deeper existential angst, provoking both laughter and contemplation.
Kushner’s essays in this compilation further push boundaries, blending personal reflection with political critique. His writing vibrates with passionate language that feels almost lyrical—a testament to why Laurie Winer describes him as "an intense and poetical writer." I was particularly struck by how Kushner challenges readers to think critically, using humor and poignant narrative to explore themes of love, mortality, and societal frailty.
I paused often to savor his words—particularly his poem An Epithalamion, which illuminates the beauty of everyday life with vivid imagery. Reading it was akin to breathing fresh air after being submerged in deeper waters; it reenergized my spirit. Conversely, his contemplative Second Month of Mourning evoked a raw emotional response, illustrating the range of feelings that Kushner stirs within his work. His prayer, delivered on National Prayer Day for AIDS, stirred my heart, forthrightly addressing divine struggles and human pain with grace and fury.
Kushner’s style is dynamic, oscillating between the ridiculous and the profound. This blend lends a certain rhythm to the pacing of the essays, making even the heavier topics digestible. I found myself reflecting on the incisive critiques he offers—like, “Can we live without love, politics, and food?”—each inquiry leaving me in thoughtful silence.
In a world asking increasingly complex questions about identity, meaning, and morality, this collection feels significant—not only for Kushner fans but for anyone grappling with similar questions. If you appreciate thoughtful discourse mixed with eloquent prose, Kushner’s work invites you to reconsider your outlook on justice, virtue, and what it means to be human.
In closing, Thinking About the Longstanding Problems of Virtue is not just a book; it’s a journey through the heart and mind of one of our generation’s most vital voices. I emerged from it wiser and more attuned to the complexities of my own experience—an invitation I hope you’ll accept. Whether you’re a staunch Kushner devotee or new to his work, this compilation is a brilliant place to start or revisit his profound narrative tapestry.