In The Legend of Auntie Po, the character of Auntie Po is an unlikely prophet. In the masculine environment of a Sierra Nevada logging camp post-Chinese exclusion act, Auntie Po’s identity as an elderly Chinese woman contrasts the 1885 stereotypical young white male logger. She also contrasts late-1800s stereotypes of femininity, as her masculine blue pants and red flannel shirt resembles lumberjack clothing, specifically mirroring the image of Paul Bunyan, another mythical figure in the American northwest. Similarly, Prior is an unlikely prophet in Angels in America. As a gay man, his being chosen as a prophet is ironic because of Christianity’s view on homosexuality. Similarly to Mei’s role in her story, Prior’s role in Angels is partially to impart the wisdom he gleans from the Angels onto other characters. All three characters challenge the “norms” of who would stereotypically be chosen in such position of honor by men (loggers) or gods (the Angels) in America.
While Mei is not seen as a God-like figure herself, her role as a storyteller to the children in the logging camp makes her a prophet. From her visions of Auntie Po, she is able to impart the wisdom of the legend onto the children in the logging camp to act as reassurance during difficult times. Both The Legend of Auntie Po and Angels in America have significant characters that doubt the legends, particularly in the face of tragedy. Bee’s lack of faith in Auntie Po becomes clear after the logging accident: “No Mei! I don’t see Auntie Po!…I don’t see pretend Gods!” (197) This is a similarity between the two works, with many characters doubting Prior’s visions of the Angel because of his illness-induced mental state. This doubt ties into the significance of showing unlikely prophets and legends both on stage and in literature. Representation is important, especially in the context of legends which allow children to see themselves in stories told by people they can relate to.
This is a smart comparison. I appreciate how you highlight that Mei, Auntie Po and Prior all work as “unlikely prophets” who widen the boundaries of who is allowed to hold power, wisdom or spiritual “authority”. Your point about doubt is especially strong and both show that faith in marginalized figures is often the first to be dismissed but their stories persist because they offer comfort and representation. I love your note that legends let children see themselves reflected, it really underscores why they matter.