Fat Ham

Juicy’s mother parallels Shakespeare’s Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother who marries her brother-in-law after the death of her husband. Tedra is friendly, gregarious, and outgoing. She is fun-loving and in a near-constant state of excitement. Upbeat and eager to celebrate her wedding, she thrives in social settings, encouraging Juicy to join in the fun while honoring that he is introspective and slow to engage with others.

Tedra depends on the approval and attention of men, insisting to Juicy that she can never be alone. She thrives on attention from Rev and is unapologetic for not mourning the death of Pap, who was abusive. Tedra is relieved to be rid of this harm but also unwilling to fully confront the trauma she experienced. Her coping strategy is to ignore the pain and not dwell on memories of the abuse in hopes that this will heal her. Juicy suggests that the trauma will continue to haunt her, so long as she fails to acknowledge it in a meaningful way. Indeed, her marriage to Rev, who mirrors Pap in many ways, suggests that she has not outrun her trauma.

Tedra is an important source of support for Juicy. She loves him unconditionally and embraces the person he wants to become, encouraging his interest in education and defending him against Rev and others who criticize his sensitive and introspective qualities. Unlike Rev and Pap, she is not bothered by Juicy’s queerness and encourages him to date, stressing what he can offer to another person. Ultimately, however, she is torn between her allegiance to Juicy and her new husband. Rev’s death essentially solves this problem for her, freeing the way for her and Juicy to continue enjoying the strong bond they have established.

Opal, the daughter of Tedra’s friend Rabby, has known Juicy and his family since childhood. She comes across as bold and spiteful and seems harsh and somewhat uncaring. Throughout much of the play, she is sullen and moody because Rabby has forced her to wear a dress to the barbecue. Every character comments on her dress, suggesting that it is highly unusual for her to be wearing one. In this way, they imply that it is not typical for her to display feminine traits and that these traits are at odds with her character.

Opal struggles to assert her identity, as the person she wants to be contradicts the image her mother has of her. Though she is unapologetic, she is reluctant to defy her mother entirely. Much of her inner struggle involves finding a balance between showing love for Rabby and living an authentic life as the person she truly is.

Unlike Juicy or Larry, Opal is more secure in her sexuality. Her certainty in being gay gives her a modicum of confidence that neither Juicy nor Larry has. She desperately wants to break free from social pressures to comply with gender norms and to pursue her own unique identity and life. Juicy and Larry suggest that so-called unfeminine practices—such as owning a gun shooting gallery—are much more in keeping with her true self.

In the end, Opal plays an important role in encouraging both Juicy and Larry to be themselves and not apologize for their sexuality. She supports and loves them both in a way that proves nurturing and meaningful.