Overview & Summary
PLOT
Spanning 25 years, Driving Miss Daisy begins in Atlanta, GA in 1948. Daisy Werthan is a 72-year-old Jewish woman, who has just lost the privilege to drive--after backing her car into her garage. Daisy insists that she is not a rich woman, though she lives comfortably. And thus, her son, Boolie, takes it upon himself to hire a chauffeur for his mother, much to her dismay. Enter: Hoke Colburn. With a history of working for respected Atlantans as well as an affinity for employment by Jews, Hoke eagerly takes on the burden of driving Miss Daisy. As time passes, Daisy and Hoke's relationship transforms from reluctant tolerance to professional compliance to true friendship. Alfred Uhry's Nobel Prize winning play depicts a tale of religion, tolerance, and friendship against the backdrop of a changing Atlanta. |
CHARACTERS
Daisy Werthan: Mother of Boolie Werthan, mother-in-law to Florine Werthan, employer of Idella. Age 72 when play begins, age 97 when play ends. Hoke Coleburn: Chauffeur to Daisy Werthan. He's 60 years old when he begins working for the Werthans, and retires at 85. Forms a close bond with the Werthans during his 25-year employment. Boolie Werthan: Son of Daisy Werthan, husband of Florine Werthan, and employer of Hoke Coleburn. Owner of the Werthan Company. Age 40 when the play begins, age 65 when play ends. Florine Worthan: Wife of Boolie Werthan, daughter-in-law of Daisy Werthan. Florine is never seen in the play, though she is mentioned throughout, and it is known that Daisy does not like her. Idella: Maid to Daisy Werthan. She is also viewed in an intimate manner, and when she dies, the loss is greatly mourned by Daisy. |