Two Trains Running by August Wilson has garnered acclaim for its rich, evocative portrayal of African American life in the 1960s. Critics praise Wilson's dialogue and character depth but note the pacing can be slow at times. The play's themes of social change and resilience resonate powerfully, making it a meaningful, though occasionally dense, theatrical experience.

A reader who would enjoy August Wilson’s Two Trains Running often appreciates rich, character-driven narratives that explore African American history and social issues. Similar readers might enjoy Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun or James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain for their profound cultural insights and compelling dialogue.

Set in 1969, August Wilson's Two Trains Running explores the lives of Black individuals frequenting a diner in Pittsburgh’s Hill District amidst the decline of the Civil Rights movement and the rise of Black Power. The play follows Memphis, the diner's owner, struggling against city displacement, and various patrons, including Wolf, a numbers runner, Risa, the waitress, Sterling, an ex-convict, and Hambone, a man with a disability, as they navigate personal dreams and hardships against a backdrop of economic and social turmoil.

Contemplative / Melancholic / Gritty / Nostalgic / Emotional

August Wilson

Adult

Play

The Century Cycle

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Two Trains Running reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Two Trains Running | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Two Trains Running and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Two Trains Running Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I

Two Trains Running Act I Act Summary & Analysis

Act II

Two Trains Running Act II Act Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Two Trains Running Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Two Trains Running Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Two Trains Running Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Two Trains Running Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Two Trains Running Essay Topics

Two Trains Running

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Two Trains Running?

Reading Age

Book Details