True West Family Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Act.Scene.Line

Quote #4

Austin: That's the kind of place you wish you'd grown up in? (1.2.94)

Lee has just described a home he once ducked into (presumably to steal something), and he's described it as a traditional suburban home. Austin is surprised when Lee suggests that he wanted those things in life. This simple little quote demonstrates that Austin doesn't fully understand his brother. It also shows that the brothers never experienced a traditional, suburban life when they were young.

Quote #5

Lee: Yer afraid I'll embarrass ya' huh? (1.2.140)

This sets up the dynamic between the brothers pretty early on. As much as Austin might say that he wants to spend some time with his brother, he knows that Lee has no place in the world he's chosen for himself. Austin knows that having Lee at a meeting with a Hollywood producer will not end well. Of course, he ends up being right, but for a different reason than he thought.

Quote #6

Lee: You go down to the L.A. Police Department there and ask them what kinda people kill each other most. What do you think they'd say? […] Family people. Brothers. (1.4.146-150)

Well, some lines just kind of say it all. Right here, it's pretty clear that things are not going to end up well between these two guys. While they don't kill each other, it's not for lack of trying.