Genre
Drama
Language
English
Setting and Context
The play is set in an apartment in the Upper East Side of Manhattan circa 2012.
Narrator and Point of View
Tone and Mood
The tone is at times humorous, but largely tense; the mood is one of hostility and repression.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Amir Kapoor is the protagonist; his antagonists include Abe, Jory, Emily, Isaac, and his boss Mort.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is that Amir worries the revelation of his Muslim background will interfere with his chances of making partner at his law firm.
Climax
The play reaches its climax when Amir learns he has not made partner at his firm and that his wife had an affair, resulting in Amir beating her.
Foreshadowing
While drinking alone on the terrace, Amir breaks a glass, foreshadowing his propensity for violent outbursts.
Understatement
Allusions
Emily's portrait of Amir references Diego Velázquez's Portrait of Juan de Pareja, a 1650 painting in which the artist depicts his enslaved African-descended assistant.
Imagery
Paradox
Parallelism
Personification
Use of Dramatic Devices
Akhtar often presents characters discussing subjects pertaining to off-stage characters in order to create suspense through dramatic irony.
