The play centers around the intricate and often toxic relationship between Lincoln and Booth, two brothers struggling to find their place in the world. Lincoln, the older brother, works as a "topdog," a White House tour guide who pretends to be Abraham Lincoln. Booth, on the other hand, is an underdog who tries to make a living by conning people. The brothers' names and occupations are deliberate references to American history, specifically the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth.
Topdog/Underdog is not just a story about two brothers in a room. It is a mirror held up to America. Handle the text with care. topdog underdog pdf
: The younger, more impulsive brother who is obsessed with mastering Three-Card Monte to escape poverty but lacks his brother's natural skill. Thematic Analysis The play centers around the intricate and often
The play explores several themes, including: Handle the text with care