Chained by Class The Dynamics of Power in Angélique

Résumé

In Angélique by Lorena Gale, social hierarchy and power dynamics are central to the relationships between individuals, particularly within the context of 18th-century Montréal. The play follows Angélique, a Black woman enslaved by François, a wealthy master, as she navigates oppressive systems that shape her interactions with those around her, including César, a fellow slave, and Claude, an indentured worker. Through these relationships, Gale explores themes of resistance, autonomy, and self-determination. François represents systemic power and exploitation, his abuse of Angélique sparking her desire for liberation. César, in contrast, accepts his fate with passivity, offering Angélique a relationship void of passion or hope for change. In contrast, Claude embodies the potential for resistance and escape, offering Angélique the possibility of freedom through a shared desire to break free from their oppressive circumstances. Through these relationships, Angélique reveals how love, power, and resistance intersect, showing that the struggle for autonomy is both a personal and collective journey shaped by the brutal realities of colonialism and slavery. Ultimately, Gale’s play demonstrates the resilience of those oppressed, highlighting their capacity to resist and fight for freedom despite insurmountable challenges.