Fences
August Wilson
"Fences," written by August Wilson and first performed in 1985, is a powerful drama that explores the African American experience in the 1950s. The play is part of Wilson’s ten-play series, known as "The Pittsburgh Cycle," which chronicles the lives of African Americans across different decades. "Fences" focuses on the life of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector, and his struggles with race, family, and personal failure.
The play delves into themes of racial discrimination, generational conflict, and the impact of societal expectations on individual identity. "Fences" is celebrated for its rich character development, emotional depth, and its exploration of complex social issues.
Summary of the Play
The play is set in the 1950s in a working-class neighborhood of Pittsburgh and centers around Troy Maxson, a 53-year-old African American man who works as a garbage collector. Troy lives with his wife, Rose, and their teenage son, Cory. The play begins with Troy coming home from work on a Friday evening, sharing drinks and conversation with his friend Jim Bono. Through their dialogue, it is revealed that Troy was once a talented baseball player in the Negro Leagues but was unable to play in the Major Leagues due to racial discrimination.
As the play progresses, Troy’s relationships with his family members are revealed to be strained. He has a complex and often adversarial relationship with his son Cory, whom he discourages from pursuing a career in football out of fear that Cory will face the same racial barriers he did. Troy’s past decisions and failures, including his inability to achieve his dreams and his extramarital affair with a woman named Alberta, weigh heavily on him, leading to conflict within his family.
The central symbol of the play is the fence that Troy builds around his yard, which represents both a physical and emotional barrier. The fence serves as a metaphor for the ways in which Troy tries to protect himself and his family from the outside world, but also how he keeps them at a distance. The play culminates in a series of dramatic confrontations between Troy and his loved ones, leading to a tragic resolution.
The play ends with Troy’s death and a final scene where his family gathers for his funeral. Cory, who has become estranged from his father, returns home as a young man who has joined the Marines. The play concludes with a sense of reconciliation and understanding, as Cory and Rose come to terms with Troy’s complex legacy.
Key Themes & Motifs
Racial Discrimination and Opportunity: One of the central themes of "Fences" is the impact of racial discrimination on the lives and opportunities of African Americans. Troy’s bitterness and frustration stem from his experiences of being denied the chance to play in the Major Leagues because of his race. The play explores how systemic racism limits opportunities and shapes the choices and attitudes of the characters. Troy’s refusal to let Cory pursue football reflects his deep-seated fear that his son will face the same barriers, highlighting the generational impact of racism.
Family and Generational Conflict: The play examines the dynamics of family relationships, particularly the tension between Troy and his son Cory. Troy’s rigid expectations and authoritarian approach to fatherhood create conflict with Cory, who seeks independence and the chance to pursue his own dreams. The play explores the ways in which generational conflict is influenced by changing social norms, personal failures, and the desire to protect loved ones. The strained relationship between Troy and Cory reflects broader themes of identity, legacy, and the struggle for self-determination within the family structure.
Responsibility and Personal Failure: "Fences" also deals with the theme of responsibility, particularly in the context of Troy’s role as a husband and father. Troy’s sense of duty to provide for his family is central to his identity, but his inability to fulfill his own dreams and his affair with Alberta reveal the complexity of his character. The play explores the tension between personal desires and familial obligations, and how the fear of failure can lead to self-destructive behavior. Troy’s actions, particularly his affair, have lasting consequences for his family, highlighting the theme of personal failure and the difficulty of reconciling past mistakes.
Analysis of Main Characters
Troy Maxson: Troy is the protagonist of the play, a complex and flawed character who is deeply shaped by his experiences of racial discrimination and personal failure. As a former baseball player who never achieved his potential due to racial barriers, Troy’s bitterness and frustration manifest in his relationships with his family, particularly with his son Cory. Troy’s character embodies the themes of responsibility, generational conflict, and the impact of systemic racism. His desire to protect his family from the hardships he faced is in constant conflict with his own personal desires and his rigid approach to fatherhood. Troy’s character is both tragic and sympathetic, as he struggles to navigate the challenges of his past and the expectations of his present.
Rose Maxson: Rose is Troy’s wife, a devoted and strong woman who serves as the emotional anchor of the family. Rose’s character represents the theme of sacrifice and the role of women in maintaining the stability of the family. She endures Troy’s flaws and infidelities with grace and resilience, but she also asserts her own dignity and independence, particularly after learning of Troy’s affair. Rose’s decision to raise Alberta’s child after her death reflects her deep sense of responsibility and her commitment to the family, even in the face of betrayal. Rose’s character adds depth to the play’s exploration of gender roles and the complexities of love and forgiveness.
Cory Maxson: Cory is Troy and Rose’s teenage son, a young man with dreams of playing college football. Cory’s character represents the theme of generational conflict, as he struggles against his father’s authoritarian control and seeks to forge his own path. Cory’s relationship with Troy is marked by tension and misunderstanding, as Troy’s attempts to protect Cory from disappointment are perceived as controlling and stifling. Cory’s journey reflects the broader struggle of the younger generation to assert their independence while grappling with the legacies of their parents. Cory’s character highlights the impact of Troy’s choices on his family and the difficulty of reconciling past grievances with the need for forgiveness and growth.
Gabriel Maxson: Gabriel is Troy’s brother, who suffered a brain injury in World War II and now believes he is the angel Gabriel. Gabriel’s character serves as a symbol of innocence and spiritual redemption in the play. His disability and the money from his government compensation have played a significant role in Troy’s ability to buy his house, adding a layer of complexity to Troy’s sense of responsibility and guilt. Gabriel’s character adds a mystical and symbolic dimension to the play, particularly in the final scene, where his presence suggests the possibility of spiritual forgiveness and reconciliation.
Setting & Social Context
"Fences" is set in a working-class African American neighborhood in Pittsburgh during the 1950s, a time when racial segregation and discrimination were still pervasive in American society. The setting reflects the socio-economic struggles faced by African American families during this period, as well as the limited opportunities available to them due to systemic racism. The play’s focus on Troy’s job as a garbage collector and his past as a baseball player in the Negro Leagues highlights the barriers to economic and professional advancement that African Americans faced during this time.
The historical context of the play also reflects the changing social dynamics of the 1950s, particularly the growing civil rights movement and the shifting expectations of the younger generation. The play’s exploration of generational conflict, particularly between Troy and Cory, reflects the tensions between the older generation’s experiences of racism and the younger generation’s desire for greater opportunities and equality. The setting of the play, with its focus on the home and the backyard where the fence is built, serves as a microcosm for the larger societal issues that the characters grapple with, highlighting the intersection of personal and social struggles.
Writing Style & Narrative Techniques
August Wilson’s writing style in "Fences" is characterized by its lyrical dialogue, rich character development, and use of symbolism. The play’s dialogue is naturalistic and reflective of the rhythms of African American speech, capturing the nuances of the characters’ emotions and relationships. Wilson’s use of language is both poetic and grounded, allowing the characters to express their inner thoughts and struggles in a way that is both relatable and deeply moving.
The play’s structure is traditional, with a focus on character-driven drama and the exploration of complex emotional and social issues. Wilson’s use of symbolism, particularly the fence that Troy builds, adds layers of meaning to the narrative. The fence serves as a metaphor for the emotional barriers that Troy constructs to protect himself from the pain of his past, as well as the ways in which he tries to keep his family close while also keeping them at a distance. The symbolism of the fence is central to the play’s exploration of themes such as responsibility, protection, and the impact of personal and societal barriers.
Wilson’s ability to create fully realized and multidimensional characters is one of the strengths of "Fences," as the play delves into the complexities of each character’s motivations, desires, and fears. The play’s pacing allows for moments of intense emotion and reflection, as the characters confront the challenges of their lives and the choices they have made. Wilson’s writing is both intimate and universal, capturing the specific experiences of African American families while also addressing broader themes of identity, legacy, and the human condition.
Important Quotes & Analysis
"Some people build fences to keep people out…and other people build fences to keep people in.": This quote, spoken by Bono, reflects the central symbolism of the fence in the play. It highlights the dual nature of the fence as both a protective barrier and a means of control, representing the emotional and relational dynamics at play in the Maxson family.
"You got to take the crookeds with the straights.": This quote, spoken by Troy, encapsulates his philosophy on life and the idea that one must accept both the good and the bad in life. It reflects Troy’s resignation to the hardships he has faced and his belief in enduring and persevering despite the challenges.
"I planted a seed and watched and prayed over it. I planted myself inside you and waited to bloom.": Rose’s metaphorical language expresses her deep investment in her marriage and family, as well as the pain she feels at Troy’s betrayal. This quote highlights Rose’s strength and resilience, as well as the sacrifices she has made for her family.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
"Fences" is a powerful and emotionally resonant play that explores the complexities of race, family, and personal responsibility in 1950s America. August Wilson’s masterful writing, rich character development, and use of symbolism create a deeply moving and thought-provoking narrative that delves into the struggles and triumphs of African American life.
Through its exploration of themes such as racial discrimination, generational conflict, and the impact of personal failure, "Fences" offers a compelling and universal story that speaks to the human experience. The play’s enduring relevance and its ability to evoke both empathy and introspection make "Fences" a seminal work in American theater and a testament to Wilson’s legacy as one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century.