Dutchman

Compare and contrast the two black “types”—the conductor versus Clay and the other younger black man. Discuss the significance of the play’s ending and how it relates to Jones’ broader point about black male identity.

As Dutchman tries to fight against racial injustice and stereotyping, it simultaneously depicts a somewhat biased portrait of gender roles, as Lula is shown to be an over-sexualized “whore” who uses her sexual appeal to achieve her goals, while Clay is much more innocent and “harmless.” Trace and examine the gender politics between Clay and Lula throughout the piece. What broader points does Jones appear to make about gender and the imbalance between the sexes?

Analyze Clay’s long speech about black identity and rage. What are the key takeaways about race from his speech, and how are they inspired by Lula’s treatment of Clay throughout the play until that point? What do you learn about Clay through that speech that the audience didn’t know before?

The elements of Dutchman are rife with symbolism, from Lula’s apple to the characters themselves. What does the location of the subway represent? What does the subway setting add to Jones’ message that a park setting or more stationary place could not?

Dutchman debuted in 1964, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. How does the piece and its themes fit into the broader context of that cultural moment? How might the play be received differently, or have a different message, when performed today?

Analyze Clay’s murder at Lula’s hand. Why did Clay have to be murdered to fulfill the play’s dramatic and symbolic purpose? What broader point about race does Clay’s murder symbolize, and what is Lula’s broader “purpose” or goal with her apparent serial killing of well-educated black men?

Lula is a mysterious character who reveals little about herself—and what is known is hard to believe, as she tells Clay, “I lie a lot” (9). Analyze Lula as a character—beyond her pattern of seemingly serial murdering black men, what does the text reveal about her as a character? Through her character, what broader point is Jones trying to make about white people?

Look at the opening scene of Dutchman, in which Clay and Lula stare at each other through the subway train window. Why does Jones take pains to specify how much Clay enjoys the interaction? How does this beginning affect the action that follows?