Hannah Porter Pitt

Hannah Pitt is a Mormon. She is also Joe's mother. Her late husband was a hard military man. During the play Hannah underwent a major transition. In the beginning when Joe came out to her she replied, "You're old enough to understand that your father didn't love you without being ridiculous about it" (Kushner 82). It almost appears in the play that Hannah is confused by homosexuality and stereotypes. In one scene she is talking to Prior and she asks him, "Would you say that you are a typical...homosexual?" (Kushner 231) By the end of the play she was much more open and accepting. She is talking to Prior in the hospital room when she says, "I flew into rage when he (Joe) told me, mad as hornets. At first I assumed it was about his... But that wasn't it. Homosexuality. It just seems... ungainly. Two men together. It isn't an appetizing notion but then, for me, men in any configuration... well they're so lumpish and stupid. And stupidity gets me cross" (Kushner 236). Some might imply that Hannah is really a lesbian trapped in her heterosexuality by society and Mormonism. Later on while still in the hospital scene the angel returns again. After Prior climbs up the ladder to heaven the angel talks to Hannah. The angel, who is female, then kisses Hannah passionately on the lips. Then the angel says, "the Body is the Garden of the Soul" (Kushner 252). While the angel flies away Hannah has an orgasm. This instance could be symbolic literally or figuratively. It is probably not likely that Hannah was a closet lesbian given the fact that Prior also had an orgasm with the angel, and he is gay. This scene probably shows that Hannah was suppressed and needed freedom, hence the orgasm.