Race and Prejudice
The play prominently explores themes of race and prejudice, highlighting discrimination against both African Americans and Jews. Throughout the narrative, brief remarks underscore the struggles African Americans endure in the South. Hoke tells Boolie about the challenges of finding work, noting, "[T]hey hirin' young if they hirin' colored." As the years pass, Hoke points out that African Americans are prohibited from using facilities designated for whites. Prejudice against Jews is illustrated by the bombing of a temple and Boolie's reference to businessmen who hold negative stereotypes about Jews. He acknowledges their belief that "as long as you got to deal with Jews, the really smart ones come from New York." Hoke also comments on the common Southern views about Jews: "People always talkin' bout they stingy and they cheap, but doan' say none of that roun' me."
Daisy, who is Jewish, exhibits prejudice against African Americans, although she denies it. Early in the play, she refers to African Americans as "them," a detail that Boolie notices. After suspecting Hoke of theft, she becomes more vocal in her accusations, telling Boolie, "They all take things, you know." Later, she adds, "They are like having little children in the house. They want something so they just take it. Not a smidgin of manners. No conscience." She also mocks the way uneducated African Americans, like Hoke, speak, saying, "'Nome,' he'll say." Daisy's broad generalizations about African Americans are challenged when Hoke brings her a new can of salmon, making it difficult for her to apply his actions to an entire race. Over the course of the play, Daisy gradually begins to shed her prejudices. She even debates with Boolie about attending a banquet honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.
Despite her progress, Daisy still struggles to fully comprehend the prejudice that surrounds her and fails to recognize that some white Southerners harbor as much animosity toward Jews as they do toward African Americans. When the temple is bombed, she insists it must be a mistake, saying, "I'm sure they meant to bomb one of the conservative synagogues or the orthodox one. The temple is reform," or suggests that Hoke misheard the police officer. However, Hoke has a clearer understanding, stating, "It doan' matter to them people. A Jew is a Jew to them folks. Jes' like light or dark we all the same nigger." Daisy refuses to accept this harsh reality. Although she makes notable progress in overcoming her prejudice, she still feels superior to Hoke due to her wealth, her status as his employer, and her race. As a result, she delays inviting Hoke to the King banquet until the very last moment. With pride in himself, Hoke declines the invitation, recognizing that Daisy's delay in asking him reveals her tendency to take him for granted.
Friendship
In the compelling narrative of "Driving Miss Daisy," the friendship between two seemingly mismatched individuals—a wealthy, elderly Jewish widow named Miss Daisy and her African American chauffeur, Hoke—serves as the central theme. However, the story also navigates the complex terrain of race relations, human dignity, integrity, and trust. At the heart of their evolving relationship is Hoke's ability to gently dismantle the subconscious prejudices held by Miss Daisy. Despite her occasional racist remarks comparing African Americans to children and her disparaging comments about Christians, she adamantly denies being prejudiced, assuring her son Boolie of her impartiality. Yet, her deep-seated biases surface through her disdain for her daughter-in-law's enthusiasm for Christmas decorations and her interactions with Episcopalians.
Hoke, characterized by his honesty and a protective nature towards Miss Daisy, navigates his own experiences...
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with prejudice. He demonstrates his self-respect and negotiating skills by securing a pay raise from Boolie, even as he expresses disdain for Jeanette Harris, who attempted to employ him as her chauffeur. "Now what you think I am? I ain' studyin’ workin’ for no trashy somethin’ like her," he remarks, hinting at his own judgments. When Miss Daisy extends a somewhat grudging invitation to a Martin Luther King Day celebration, her lingering prejudices are evident, though they begin to diminish. Hoke's response, "Nevermind baby, next time you ask me someplace, ask me regular," underscores his insistence on being treated with respect and dignity.
As the years pass, the boundaries of their friendship shift and deepen, culminating in a poignant moment when Miss Daisy, in the throes of senile dementia, acknowledges her genuine connection to Hoke. "You are my best friend, Hoke," she declares, revealing a bond that transcends the societal prejudices that initially kept them apart. Through this journey of mutual recognition and acceptance, "Driving Miss Daisy" presents a narrative where friendship becomes a transformative force, bridging divides and fostering understanding in an era fraught with division.
Growing Old
A prominent theme in the play is the process of aging. The narrative unfolds over twenty-five years, culminating with Daisy at ninety-seven, Hoke at eighty-five, and Boolie at sixty-five. Each character experiences transformation as the years pass. Daisy becomes more progressive, while Boolie grows more conservative. Meanwhile, Daisy and Hoke form a profound friendship, sharing the trials of getting older. During a moment of confusion, Daisy mistakenly believes she is still teaching and tells Hoke, “I'm being trouble. Oh God, I don't want to be trouble to anybody.” She realizes that aging is making her more challenging and fears she might become a burden. Hoke reassures her by pointing out that she at least has the benefit of aging in a comfortable setting. "You want something to cry about, I take you to the state home, show you what layin' out dere in de halls," he says.
Ultimately, Boolie decides to place Daisy in a nursing home. The stage directions describe her as "[S]he seems fragile and diminished, but still vital.'' Despite her age, she remains outspoken. "Go charm the nurses," she instructs Boolie when she wants him to leave. Although she has difficulty feeding herself, her mind remains sharp.
Hoke has experienced changes as well. He is no longer able to drive and must rely on his granddaughter for transportation. This loss of driving ability underscores a theme in the play: as individuals age, they lose some independence and become somewhat childlike again. Hoke finds it challenging to visit Daisy frequently since the bus route does not extend to the nursing home. He admits, "It hard [to visit Daisy], not drivin'." At this point in life, people like Daisy and Hoke must depend on others for almost everything, including sustaining significant friendships.
Race Relations
The intimate journey of Miss Daisy and her chauffeur, Hoke, unfolds against the backdrop of evolving race relations in Atlanta and the broader United States. This narrative is subtly enriched by references to the era's social tensions, such as the existence of segregated bathrooms and Boolie Werthan's apprehension about attending a Martin Luther King Jr. dinner. Boolie fears being mocked as “Martin Luther Werthan,” which might endanger his business connections. These elements highlight the slow pace of progress in dismantling racial barriers.
In contrast, the play also hints at the potential for cross-cultural relationships, suggesting a more hopeful perspective on racial harmony. Hoke’s granddaughter, who teaches biology at Spelman College, embodies a new generation poised to challenge the status quo. The interplay between the personal and the political in the story elevates its significance, offering depth and avoiding melodramatic pitfalls.
The strength of Uhry's writing lies in its economy and the deft implication of broader societal shifts through personal interactions. These small, poignant moments allow the narrative to transcend mere sentimentalism, presenting a nuanced exploration of race relations during a transformative period in American history.
