Relationships and Language

This section explores the relationships between characters and the use of language in the play.

The relationships between characters are complex and evolving. Boolie is portrayed as both a dutiful son to Daisy and a husband to Florine. Daisy and Hoke's relationship is central to the play, progressing from a professional driver-passenger dynamic to a deep friendship marked by mutual understanding and care.

Definition: Black English - A dialect of English spoken by many African-Americans, with distinct grammatical and phonetic features.

The play makes significant use of Black English in Hoke's dialogue. This linguistic choice helps bring his character to life authentically for readers and audiences. Black English is presented as a legitimate dialect, comparable to standard English or Southern white dialects. The play uses phonetic spelling to represent this dialect, such as "'bout" for "about" and "dey" for "they".

Example: Hoke might say "Lemme drive you to the store, Miss Daisy" instead of "Let me drive you to the store, Miss Daisy."

Development of Friendship and Race in the Play

This section examines how Daisy and Hoke's friendship evolves and how race is portrayed in the play.

The friendship between Daisy and Hoke develops gradually over the course of the play. Initially, there is mistrust and misunderstanding. Daisy even accuses Hoke of stealing at one point. However, as time passes, they grow closer. Hoke shares personal stories about his daughter and emotional memories. Daisy gives Hoke a book for Christmas, showing her growing care for him.

Quote: "You my best friend," Hoke tells Daisy near the end of the play, encapsulating their journey from employer-employee to genuine friendship.

Race is a central theme in "Driving Miss Daisy". The play demonstrates prejudice against both African-Americans and Jews. Hoke faces difficulty finding employment due to racial discrimination. Instances of segregation are shown, such as Hoke not being allowed to use certain restrooms. Daisy experiences antisemitism when her synagogue is attacked.

Highlight: The play uses the personal relationship between Daisy and Hoke to explore broader themes of racial prejudice and social change in American society.

Writing Techniques and Historical Context

This section provides guidance on writing about the play and offers historical context.

When writing a summary of "Driving Miss Daisy", it's important to start with an introductory sentence that sets the scene. For example: "The episodic play 'Driving Miss Daisy' by Alfred Uhry, set in Atlanta in 1987, explores the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur."

When characterizing a character from the play, begin with a thesis statement that outlines your main point about the character. Then, provide details about their traits, ambitions, conflicts, and role in the story. Use the simple present tense and organize your thoughts into paragraphs.

Example: "In 'Driving Miss Daisy', Hoke Colburn is presented as a patient and empathetic individual who navigates racial prejudice with dignity. This becomes evident through his interactions with Daisy and his responses to discriminatory situations."

Historically, "Driving Miss Daisy" was inspired by the relationship between Alfred Uhry's grandmother, Lena Fox, and her longtime chauffeur, Will Coleman. This personal connection adds depth to the story's exploration of race relations in the American South.

Highlight: The play's setting from 1948 to 1973 allows it to encompass major events in the Civil Rights Movement, providing a rich historical backdrop for the characters' personal journeys.

Race and Social Commentary

The play addresses racial and religious prejudice in the American South.

Quote: The attack on Daisy's synagogue parallels Hoke's experiences with segregation, highlighting multiple forms of discrimination.

Definition: Segregation is illustrated through concrete examples like Hoke being denied access to restrooms.

Writing Structure and Historical Context

The play's structure and historical basis provide depth to its narrative.

Highlight: Based on Alfred Uhry's grandmother Lena Fox and her chauffeur Will Coleman, the story gained popularity through various adaptations including Miss Daisy und ihr Chauffeur Stream and Miss Daisy und ihr Chauffeur Netflix.

Example: The episodic structure allows the story to cover 25 years while focusing on key moments in the characters' relationship.

Character Profiles

This section provides detailed character profiles for the main characters in "Driving Miss Daisy".

Daisy Werthan is a 72-year-old Jewish widow at the start of the play. Born shortly after the Civil War, she witnesses major social changes in American history including women's suffrage, both World Wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. Daisy comes from a successful business family and had a career as a teacher. Her personality is described as independent, self-confident, and energetic, though she can be bossy at times.

Highlight: Daisy's character spans from age 72 to 97 over the course of the play, allowing the audience to see her evolution over a quarter century.

Boolie Werthan is Daisy's 40-year-old son at the beginning of the play. He takes over and expands the family business, showing his capability. Boolie is portrayed as caring and dutiful towards his mother despite her difficult personality. He's married to Florine but has no children of his own.

Example: Boolie's hiring of Hoke as Daisy's chauffeur, despite her initial protests, demonstrates his concern for her wellbeing.

Hoke Colburn is a 60-year-old African-American man from Georgia. He starts the play illiterate and having never traveled, but grows significantly over the course of the story. Hoke is a widower with a daughter and granddaughter, emphasizing the importance of family to him. His character experiences segregation, discrimination, and racism throughout his life.

Vocabulary: Segregation - The practice of separating people based on race, as was common in the American South during this time period.

Florine Werthan is Boolie's wife and Daisy's daughter-in-law. The play suggests that Daisy doesn't care for Florine and makes little effort to hide this opinion.