Angels in America was written in a specific time, depicting a recent era. Do you think it is still relevant to a contemporary audience? Why or why not? What parallels would you draw to today?

Research the evolution of AIDS dramas in the 1980s and ’90s. Where do you think Angels in America falls in terms of goals and representation? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

What is the significance of religion in the text? What do you think the play says about religion and faith?

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Before You Read

Explore Angels in America reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Angels in America

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Overview

Get ready to explore Angels in America and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Angels in America Summary and Study Guide

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Millennium Approaches”, Part 1, Act I: “Bad News” - Part 1, Act II: “In Vitro”

Part 1, Acts I-II

Angels in America Part 1, Acts I-II Act Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “Millennium Approaches”, Part 1, Act III: “Not-Yet-Conscious…”

Part 1, Act III

Angels in America Part 1, Act III Act Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Perestroika”, Part 2, Act I: “Spooj” - Part 2, Act III: “Borborygmi”

Part 2, Acts I-III

Angels in America Part 2, Acts I-III Act Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Perestroika”, Part 2, Act IV: “John Brown’s Body” - Part 2, Act V: “Heaven, I’m in Heaven”

Part 2, Act IV-Epilogue

Angels in America Part 2, Act IV-Epilogue Act Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Angels in America Character Analysis

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Themes

Angels in America Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Angels in America Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Angels in America Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Angels in America Essay Topics

Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes

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