True West Transformation Quotes

When we talk transformation, we're usually talking about Austin. This is an important moment for Lee, though. He's talking about really changing his life. He's also, for a rare moment, distancing himself from his father, who is the "He" in Lee's line.

Each of these guys kind of just wants to be the other. This leads to a lot of the conflict between the two, but it also provides some of the only truly touching moments in the play.

Some quotes just stand out more than others. This one keeps coming up, because it's huge. While Austin still clings to his "Austinness" at this point in the play, it's becoming clear that he has far more in common with Lee than he might lead on. This line eventually proves to be true as Austin morphs into a man just like Lee.

Here's another big line that keeps coming up. This is Lee's attempt at transformation, or at least an attempt to try to convince Austin and himself that he's transforming. It doesn't last all that long, so it's good to point this one out.

At this moment, Austin actually compares himself to his father. Remember, Austin has shown nothing but disdain for his father throughout the play, but now he is starting to see a connection with the old man.

That's some serious transforming going on, people. That's like Optimus Prime level transforming. Austin has turned himself into a thief just like big brother.

Once again, a hugely telling line. Austin lays out that he wants nothing more than to turn into a man like Lee. He'd cast off the yolk of family and job and money and all that stuff just to go hang out in the desert. (Don't judge. Sometimes ditching work and heading to the desert sounds like a pretty good idea to us too.)

The transformation takes hold. Austin has reached a point now where he knows he can dominate Lee to the point where he can kill him. He's actually turned into a man who considers killing his brother. That's a pretty far cry from the mild-mannered writer he used to be.

In case we weren't clear that Austin had basically changed into Lee, he spells it out for us.

Check out "What's Up with the Ending" for a whole lot more analysis on this one. For now, it's important just to realize that Austin's transformation is truly complete. After almost killing Lee, they are equals (or maybe even kind of the same dude).