24 pages • 48 minutes read
Dutchman
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Book Brief
38
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Dutchman by Amiri Baraka portrays a charged interaction between Clay, a young African-American man, and Lula, a white woman, on a New York City subway. Their conversation shifts from flirtatious to confrontational, revealing deep racial tensions and ultimately leading to a violent climax. The play reflects themes of racism, racial oppression, and black male identity, likening Lula to Eve through her offering of an apple and referencing the Flying Dutchman legend. This play includes scenes of racial violence and emotional abuse.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
3,108 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dutchman by Amiri Baraka is acclaimed for its raw, powerful exploration of racial tensions and oppressive societal norms. Critics praise its intense, provocative dialogue and the strong performances it elicits on stage. However, some find its confrontational style polarizing and the narrative's abrupt ending unsatisfying. This play remains a compelling, contentious piece in American theater.
Who Should Read Dutchman?
A reader who would enjoy Dutchman by Amiri Baraka is likely drawn to provocative, socially charged narratives that explore racial tensions and identity. Comparable to Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man and Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, this reader appreciates incisive dialogue and powerful, confrontational themes.
3,108 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lula
Lula
A 30-year-old white woman with a sexual and erratic demeanor, who shares an intense and provocative conversation with Clay. She carries apples and exhibits a range of emotions and behaviors during their encounter.
Riders of Coach
Riders of Coach
The passengers in the subway car who witness the interaction between Lula and Clay. They comprise a diverse group, both white and black, representing a broader societal context.
38
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
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