Essay Questions

How does Suzan-Lori Parks use the character of Hero to examine the complexity of identity and loyalty under slavery?

She uses Hero as a central figure to illustrate the multifaceted aspects of identity and loyalty for an enslaved person. Hero’s internal struggle revolves around the tension between his loyalty to his master and his fellow enslaved people. The master promised him freedom in exchange for fighting in the Confederate war. Thus, Hero's identity is also deeply fractured—he is a slave but he is also a man who yearns for freedom and recognition. This duality is intensified by the fact that his name indicates greatness yet his actions and choices challenge this notion. Parks presents Hero as a character caught between oppressive forces that demand his loyalty and his desire to break free from those very forces. The play interrogates whether Hero’s devotion to his master is born out of fear, survival, or genuine belief in the promises of freedom. It questions whether genuine identity can be forged under the dehumanizing institution of slavery.

How does the theme of freedom manifest in the play, and how is it complicated by the realities of slavery and war?

Freedom is portrayed not as an absolute state but as a contested and conditional concept, particularly for the enslaved characters. His master in exchange for his service in the Confederate army promises Hero freedom, but the promise of freedom is tenuous. For Hero, freedom becomes an elusive ideal that is offered but never fully within his grasp. Additionally, the play raises questions about what freedom truly means—whether it is simply the absence of chains or something deeper, such as autonomy, dignity, and self-determination. This juxtaposition of the Civil War, which is fought over the issue of slavery, complicates the notion of freedom for Hero and others. The war does not automatically grant freedom to the enslaved; rather, it presents another battlefield where freedom is negotiated. Parks challenges the audience to consider whether freedom can be given or if it must be taken.

In what ways does the narrative blend classical references, such as Greek tragedy and epic, with the specific history of American slavery in this play?

Parks blends elements of classical literature with the historical realities of American slavery to create a resonant narrative. The play draws on the structure of Greek tragedy with its chorus of slaves and a protagonist who must make difficult moral choices. Hero’s journey echoes that of ancient Greek heroes like Odysseus, particularly in part three. He returns home from war akin to Odysseus’ long journey back to Ithaca. This epic framing lends a sense of grandeur to Hero’s story, which positions his struggles within a timeless context of human suffering and fate. At the same time, Parks roots the story in the very specific and brutal history of American slavery. The chorus serves a dual purpose—as a classical element and as a reflection of the collective voice of those bearing witness to the horrors of their existence. The blending of classical forms with the history of slavery allows Parks to examine universal themes of suffering and loyalty.