There are many themes in the play Angels in America by Tony Kushner, such as religion, sexuality, and politics. In fact, they are all connected and linked to the source of selfishness, as it simply acts as a signpost to give direction to a person. Sometimes selfishness can show you the way to save us when you find yourself in different situations; but at the same time, selfishness can deeply hurt and change a person. In these two scenes, act 1 scene 8 and act 2 scene 9, we see how selfishness appears in these two couples who find themselves in different situations, Joe with Harper and Louis with Prior. Joe only cares about himself from the beginning of the play. He does not admit or show others that he is a real homosexual. Not only because society was not yet widely accepting of homosexuals at that time, but also because of their religion. If Joe decides to be homosexual, then Mormons consider him a serious sinner. Therefore, Joe begins to escape into a nominal marriage with Harper. He treats this relationship as a friendship, because no husband in the world will call his wife “boyfriend”. Joe doesn't care about Harper. Even though he knows that she is suffering from some kind of drug problem, he still doesn't care and finds out the reason behind this problem. Additionally, Harper never receives sexual gratification from Joe. This makes Harper feel rejected and she begins to wonder if she is unattractive than the other women or if she is an enemy of Joe. “I am the enemy. It's easy. That doesn't change. You think you're the only one who hates sex; I do; I hate it with you” (Kushner 43) Despite this, it’s not Harper’s fault; Joe doesn't find her attractive, because Joe is... middle of paper ... not Louis and Prior and Prior's illness. (Kushner 84) Louis' departure and desperate waiting are the hurtful things for Prior. Louis' selfishness makes Before Waiting a promise that will never come true. The difference between Joe and Louis is that Joe wants to find refuge to hide his sexuality, and Louis does not accept his boyfriend's illness. They both waste their lovers' precious time because of their selfishness. These two scenes are definitely important and connected to the whole play. Because of their religion and sexuality, they are sources of selfishness. Selfishness leads them to save themselves, but also changes Harper and Prior's opinions. For example, maybe they are both afraid of loving another person again. Additionally, perhaps selfishness brings Joe and Louis together, as they are somewhat similar in the way they treat others..