Question

In at least one hundred words, discuss how "Arrangement in Black and White" relates to satire. Focus on explaining why specific parts of the play are satirical. What effect does this have on the text?

Answer 1

"Arrangement in Black and White" is a satirical play that uses humor and irony to critique societal attitudes and behaviors. The play centers on a dinner party where the guests are divided by race, and this arrangement is presented as a ridiculous and arbitrary social convention. The play also lampoons the guests' pretentious and superficial behavior, as they engage in meaningless small talk and attempt to impress each other with their intelligence and sophistication. The use of satire in the play allows it to critique and expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of racism and social pretension, and encourages the audience to think critically about these issues.

Answer 2

"Arrangment in Black and White" satirizes narrow-minded, racist people who do not believe they are narrow-minded and racist.

The main character believes she views black people in the same way as everyone else; it is clear, however, that she is as narrow-minded as her husband, whom she criticizes.

Specifically, she says that she doesn't have a problem with black people and also says that the singer should be so grateful to have this party thrown for him so he can meet all these white people. She tells her husband he should be worried she's meeting the singer because she "doesn't know what she will do" when she meets him.

Her entire demeanor proves she is just as narrow-minded as everyone else.