Fences

**Title:** //Fences// **Author:** August Wilson **Original Date of Publication and Awards:** 1983 **Literary Period:** Contemporary **Genre:** Realistic drama

Theme:
All male characters in the book have been institutionalized at one point in their lives. Both Troy and Bono went to prison. Cory joined the military; Gabe is in a mental hospital; Lyons is in prison. To attend Troy’s funeral, all must get paperwork signed and permission from those above them. Wilson demonstrates that African-American men have few options in life. They aren’t offered the same privileges and opportunities that white men have. In the end, they can't find the AMerican Dream, so many resort to stealing in hopes to make their own. As as a result, many go to prison end up dying. Those that go to the military either remain there, end up in a mental hospital, or die as well. Although Bono was institutionalized, he is the only free man at the end. Troy is dead, and all of his relatives live by another entity's rules. However, Bono’s attitude has always differed from Troy. As Troy complained and desired more, Bono appears happy at his life. He has his own house, a loving wife, friends, and enough money to survive. As a result, Bono remains loved and cherished by those around him whereas everyone in Troy’s life loses respect for him. Wilson demonstrates that financial gains don’t attribute to success. He shows that family and friends can make a poor man very rich. He urges others in his community to understand this concept: that Black America is stronger and richer than many others think. By losing appreciation, Troy lost everything in his life. Meanwhile, Bono loves as a well off man, alive and happy.

August Wilson explores the possibility of redemption in the face of the sins of the father. He declares that individuals choose their own fate; the sins of the father do not condemn generations: ill-fated choices do. Wilson affirms that an individual does not have the power to judge another; no individual possesses the right to end another’s life through the means of any form of justice or revenge. Furthermore, he indicates that individuals gain the positive aspects of their forefathers while learning from the negative aspects through the redeeming force of forgiveness. By the power of forgiveness, mankind can transcend their evil deeds to prove their righteousness and honor. Each person can choose to love or to hate, to forgive or to condemn, and to live or to die. Through the sins of the father, humankind has the opportunity to contribute to the good that flows through the world.

Relevance of Setting:
Fences takes place in Pittsburgh, revolving around troy Maxon's house in the run down part of time where African Americans live. The poor, rundown areas is indicative of the struggles faced by the black community. The porch is in need of paint; the houses are slumped over; the yards ae dirty with wire fences. Wilson explains that the second Industrial Revolution mad way foe European immigrants, leaving African Americans in the dust. White people were able to innovate and grow rich through he American dream. However, this promised American dream was not he same for the black community. Europeans were only limited by their talents; the American dream was achievable. He then harshly juxtaposes the European's journey with that of the descendants of African slaves. America did not welcome them; they had to live near rivers, under bridges, and in slums. These areas would be come the most polluted and crime ridden. The descendants were forced to use muscle and brawn instead of brain.l They attempted to find their own dream, realizing that they couldn't have the american dream. Wilson demonstrates the harsh racism and discrimination that American utilizes. However, he then shows how strong and lively the black community. Their neighborhoods are full of love, jazz, and soul. He encourages African Americans to seek their African roots and to be grateful for how rich their lives truly are.

=Plot Summary (beginning, middle, end) =

Beginning:
The scene opens as Troy and Bono drink gin on Troy's porch after work as a Friday night tradition for many years. Bono characterizes Troy as hardworking and honest, evidently being the supportive friend ti Troy's leading personality. Tory's language is fast and smooth; he enjoys telling tall tales. He is the center of attention at all events due to his comical and charismatic personality. Troy begins telling a story about a man stealing a huge watermelon when Bono confides that others think Troy is going to be fired from his position a a garbage collector. Troy disagrees, arguing that Mr. Rand can't fire him for asking questions. He wanted to only know why white men drive the trucks, but black men have to pick up the trash. This spur of caring is due to the fact that he is getting older and afraid of being fired although he acts as if its from a moral high-ground standpoint. Bono then begins dropping hints at Troy' affection towards a young woman from Tallahassee, Alberta. He subtly implies that Troy needs to his inappropriate behavior towards her as he could mess up his entire life with Rose: his wife of 18 years.Troy disregards his friend's comments as Rose eventually enters the scene. She mentions that a football scout wants to talk to Troy about getting Cory into college due to his football skills. It is revealed that Troy once was an amazing baseball player but wasn't allowed to play in the white leagues due to his color. he disregards the comment, explaining that Cory should learn a trade. He begins talking about death and telling the story of the time he fought death and escaped with his life. During his story, his other son Lyons walks in: Troy's son from a previous marriage. Every payday, he attempts to get money from his father. Lyons is a musician but is broke. Troy tells him to leave because he already has too much to take care of. Eventually, Rose convinces him to lend him money. Lyons argues that Troy wasn't there for him as a child when Troy makes a smart comment about his poor upbringing. This is one example of Wilson's harsh commentary of absent African-American fathers. The next morning, Gabriel shows up at eh house while singing a song and carrying a basket of fruits and vegetables. He believes he is the archangel Gabriel and tells many stories of his times in heaven with St. Peter. He then tells Troy that he's seen his name in a big book up in heaven. He is adamant over the fact that Troy is going to heaven. He is clearly delusional as he talks about having plums and then not having any, as well as how Aunt Jemima made flapjacks for him. He then leaves when he explains that he has to go chase the hell-hounds.

Middle:
Troy explains how he is going over to Taylors' to go watch the game when in actuality he is going to see Alberta, his mistress.Cory arrives home at starts doing his chores. When Troy gets back, it is clear that he didn't watch the game. He yells at Cory to help him build the fence. Cory and Troy begin to get into playful banter about baseball and buying a TV; it is evident that Cory wants his dad to be around more. Cory asks Troy, "Why don't you like me?" This sends Troy into a fit of anger, lecturing Cory about how much he does for him. He yells at Cory about lying to him about keeping a job at the A & P, he then sends Cory to get his job back. Rose comes out and Troy explains how he wants to give Cory a life nothing like his own. Troy comes home from work, revealing that he was given a promotion; he now is going to be the first black driver. Bono makes a remark about Troy telling Alberta right away, but troy dismisses him, claiming that he is telling everyone. Lyons shows up and troy immediately thinks he wants more money. However, Lyons is just paying him back. he asks troy o come and see him, but troy says that it isn't his scene. Gabe shows up and accuses troy of being mad at him. He keeps talking about the judgement day and about how troy's name is in the book. Then, troy and Bono begin telling Lyons about their fathers. Troy talks about how his dad had no sense of responsibility which is why he is so adamant about taking care of his family. Cory then comes home and throws his helmet at troy. he is enraged because troy told the recruiter not to bother coming over. because he wouldn't sign the papers, Cory now has no chance of going to college. Troy accuses Cory of lying to him about his job and wont listen to anything else. The next morning, troy comes home after getting Gabe from jail because he was disturbing the peace. Cory comes out to help troy work on the fence. Bono starts asking troy about Alberta, warning him not to mess up with Rose. troy reveals that he is already locked in. They make a deal that Bono will buy a refrigerator when troy finishes Rose's fence. Troy then tells Rose that he has to say something. Gabe come sin at an opportune time, and Rose gets him to leave by saying she will get him food soon. He reveals that Alberta is pregnant and he is the father. He begins going on about how Alberta make shim feel careless and free. He doesn't feel responsibility when he's with her. Rose yells at him about her own feelings. She says that shes been stuck with him in the same place for 28 years, yet she has always stayed faithful. He grabs her arm, and she tells him to let go. Cory then rushes out and attacks Troy. Troy tells Cory that he's on strike two.

End:
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Six months later, troy comes home from work one day. Rose asks him if he's going to come home instead of going to see Alberta. he says that she's in the hospital so he has too. Later that night, the phone rings. It is revealed that Alberta died while giving birth. Troy begins going off at Death, telling him to stay away from his house or else he will be ready for him. When Troy gets back with his daughter Raynell, he attempts to ask Rose to be her mother. At first, Rose is silent, but then she agrees that "you can't visit the sins of the father upon the child". Later, Bono stops by and shares an awkward conversation with troy. It is clear that they aren't friends anymore. However, troy finished the fence, so Bono bought his wife the refrigerator. Cory comes home as troy is singing, intoxicated on the stairs. he attempts to get by, and troy stops him. he lets troy know that he doesn't matter anymore; he's lost the respect of everyone. They get into a fight and Cory can't brig himself to swing the bat at troy's head. Troy knocks Cory over, about to bash his head in. However, he stops himself and tells Cory to get out and never come back,. it is now seven years later. Cory comes home due to troy's funeral. All the men left have to get permission from others. Cory is in the military; Gabe is in a mental hospital, and Lyons is in jail. Cory tells Rose that he isn't going to go to troy;s funeral. Rose tells him that although troy made mistakes, he was a good man. She makes Cory see that his father loved him and had many good aspects. he begins singing Troy's old song about Blue with Raynell. Gabe shows up and tells everyone that it is time to start; he is able to open the gates of heaven by dancing which symbolizes his African heritage. The play ends with the sun shining as troy's family knows that he is in heaven.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Memorable Quotes and Significance:

 * //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">"There's a lot of people don't know they can do no better than they doing now"' //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Rose explains how a lot of African-Americans do not realize that they can do better. Wilson sets fences right before the Civil Rights movement which will change society to be more equal and fair. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of the black community realizing the success they do have, such as the love and vitality that runs through their neighborhoods.


 * //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">"And right there the world suddenly got big. And it was a long time before I could cut it down to where I could handle it. Part of that cutting down was when I got to the place where I could feel him kicking in my blood and knew that the only thing that separated us was the matter of a few years." //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">In response to his father’s actions, Troy attempts to abolish the aspects of his father that still reside in him. He devotes his life to his family by focusing on responsibility. His father felt no responsibility to his own family, so Troy breaks his back working a job to be able to financially support his loved ones. He views the act of feeding, clothing, and sheltering as acts of love; however, Cory just wants to feel like Troy is proud of him. Cory and Troy remain emotionally unattached due to Troy’s limited view on the world which reflects his own relationship with his abusive father. Furthermore, Troy exhibits similar characteristics to his father. Troy prevents his father from raping a young girl which ends with his father beating him to the edge of death. Troy also towers over Cory at one point with a baseball bat raised above his son’s head.


 * //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">"I can’t drag Papa with me everywhere I go. I’ve got to say no to him. One time in my life I’ve got to say no." //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Wilson illustrates that an individual can transcend the sins of the father through the redeeming force of forgiveness. Cory spends seven years wracking himself with hate and fury due to his father’s actions. Cory wishes to retaliate against his father by standing up to him. Rose prevents Cory from choosing a vengeful path, leading him to accept his father’s betrayal. Wilson demonstrates that disrespecting a dead man is not honorable or righteous. Choosing revenge will not make Cory strong; Cory will only be able to find peace by forgiving Troy’s transgressions. By accepting the goodness that Troy possessed in his heart, Cory will be able to learn from his father’s mistakes which reflects how Troy learned from his own father. Each generation shows more consideration and care to their children; each generation is a new foundation of love and learning.


 * //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">"Disrespecting your daddy ain’t gonna make you a man, Cory. You got to find a way to come to that on your own. Not going to your daddy’s funeral ain’t gonna make you a man" //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Wilson illustrates that through Rose’s advice, Cory accepts Troy’s negative aspects while learning how to embrace his positive ones. Cory finally understands that Troy loved him with all of his heart, and one poor decision cannot change his love. Wilson illustrates that although no words or actions can erase Troy’s betrayal, the wrongs do not have to be corrected. An individual who can embrace the good in the face of wrong exhibits true inner strength.


 * //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">"Seeing if my garden growed" //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Rose decides to help Raynell bloom through her love and care. Through Rose's care and nuture, Raynell will be able to have a loving life and be raised to be thankful for life's little treasures.


 * //<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">"You can’t visit the sins of the father upon the child" //
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Every child deserves to be free of judgement from the actions of their forefathers. Raynell cannot be blamed for Troy’s sins, and in response, Rose decides to help Raynell bloom through her love and care.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Significance of Opening Scene:
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Wilson opens the scene by showing troy and Bono having a drink on Friday night. Troy begins the story by telling a tall tale about a man stealing a watermelon. Although his good friend, Bono, calls him out on his exaggeration; it is evident that he respects troy’s witty, hardworking, and strong personality. Troy is very charismatic and comical. All attention swirls around him and his fast, witty language. Bono mentions that a lot of other men, who are also garbage collectors, are worried about being fired due to troy’s comments to his boss. Troy rejects the idea: explaining that he just wanted to know why only white men could be drivers. This idea shows the prevalent racism and discrimination that still exists in America. Wilson demonstrates that the “american dream” is a lie to the black community. They are forgotten by society, forced to lie in polluted and crime ridden areas. Many commit the same crimes to achieve their own spin of the american dream. However, troy is only bringing up this fact due to his age. It is necessary that he becomes a driver since he is getting older. Soon, he won't be able to lift up the garbage buckets as easily, and he is worried about getting fired. This is not a moral high ground, but a necessity. Wilson demonstrates that many African American men have given up the idea of equal opportunity; many men encourage troy to drop it. However, troy is tireless due to his strong sense of responsibility. He focuses on the financial aspects of life, equating capital gain with happiness. Although he is subjugated by unfair and harsh racism, he is shown to fight with courage. Through the opening scene, Wilson demonstrates the failings of the american dream and the prevalent racism that plagues american, yet he is still able to create a strong, spirited individual (such as Troy).

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Significance of Closing Scene:
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">In the play and film Fences, August Wilson demonstrates the prevalent racism and discrimination that deters the African American community form identify with their African roots and determining their own meaning of success. In the closing scene of the play, Gabe is unable to open the gates through his glorification of Christianity. However, only when he embraces his African identity are the gates finally able to open. In Hollywood’s adaptation of the play, Gave is able to preserve through his utilization of the trumpet, allowing Troy to enter heaven. In the play, Wilson portrays the trumpet's mouthpiece as an extended metaphor that demonstrates the absence of privilege and advantage in the black community. African Americans are constantly held back by white society; they cannot even possess the mouthpiece because they are discouraged and held back from a achievement. When Gabe isn't able to blow the trumpet, he realizes that he cannot use the Christian God to save his brother. Because he is African American, Wilson dictates that he shouldn't idolize and pray to a white god. Christianity was forced on African Americans slaves in the 1400-1700s. Christianity has been a form of subjugation over the black community. However Gabe begins an “atavistic dance: which demonstrates an African ritual, buried inside his identity which allows him to open the gates (108). However, Lyons attempts to embrace him which is an attempt to placate him for his failure. Wilson demonstrates that even members of his African American community show resistance to not only their African roots but also to success. People, such as Lyons, attempt to deter Gabe, accepting his future with the explanation that he is “just a black man”. However, Gabe pushes his back, determined to success, and demonstrates his capability to save Troy metaphorically. In the film version, Gabe succeeds on the third try with his trumpet. Wilson still portrays a similar concept; African American men must work harder and try harder to accomplish their goals. In the 1980s, there was a movement to go back to people’s African roots. However, in the 2000s, African Americans began to want to get rid of the hyphen, desiring to drop the “African” part because they are full fledged Americans. The change is the film is subtle, yet it still represents a prof from Wilson of the importance of the hyphen. However, he still demonstrates the struggle of the African American men in society.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Describe the author's style:
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Wilson demonstrates the above characteristics while celebrating black culture in Fences. Wilson’s portrayal of Rose and Troy’s relationship as well as Troy’s characteristics illustrates the authenticity and humanistic flaws seen throughout both American and black culture. Many people like their main characters of novels to be heroic without flaw at all. However, Troy is gravely flawed although he exhibits valiant characteristics. He strongly believes in responsibility, takes care of those around him, and can bring smiles and laughs with his witty humor. Wilson’s depiction of Troy’s betrayal to his wife as well as his decision to stop his son from going to college brings a deep pain to his audience. Furthermore, Wilson’s blues-like rhythm is showcased through Troy’s and Bono’s dialogue. Troy raps brilliant, adding witty and comical sparks to the overall play. Fences is brimming with colorful, deep meaning within the character’s language. His characters speak with emotion; Rose’s two monologues are rich with grief, pain, and agony. Corey demonstrates how he just wants his father to approve of him, to pat him on the pack and say “Good Job”. Rose shows how she has felt trapped like Troy, yet she would never resort to cheating even though her pain has been great as well. Troy often tells tall- stories. The opening scene depicts him describing a comical scene of a man stealing an enormous watermelon. However, he then expresses his dealings with Death and even the Devil. Troy’s personification of death represents the reality that many African American man must deal with. Black men are offered few options in the 1950s. They could go to prison, join the military, go to a mental hospital, or die. African American men are posed by threats of death more often than others in America. Wilson shows how many feel forced to steal such as Troy. Similarly, Troy’s father tried to kill him since he attempted to stop his father from raping a young girl. Troy acts as if Death as a personal vengeance, and as Wilson implies, perhaps he does; not only against Troy, but towards all African American men. Wilson demonstrates the beauty of black culture through jovial singing, bard-like storytelling, and comical jokes. He demonstrates how black culture is full of vitality, and urges African-Americans to celebrate and be proud of their culture, struggles, and identities.

=<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Characters: = <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Troy Maxson:** main protagonist; comical and spirited; garbage man, was an amazing baseball player <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Rose Maxson:** Troy's wife of 18 years <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Bono:** Troy's best friend of 30 years <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Lyons:** Troy's son of a previous marriage/Troy was in jail during his childhood <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Gabe:** Troy's brother who is delusional and mentally handicapped due to WW2 <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Cory:** Troy and Rose's son, a scout is currently looking into his football skills <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Alberta (mentioned):** Troy's mistress <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Mr. Rand (mentioned):** Troy's boss

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Symbols:
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Troy utilizes baseball imagery to explain his emotions and actions. He feels as if he has been on first base for his entire life, too scared to steal second. By referring to his marriage with Rose as first base, he explains that he feels unfulfilled in the marriage; he allows his financial issues and life’s stresses to overwhelm his relationship. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Rose desires to keep her family together and protected by the fence; she wants to hold onto Troy which foreshadows his affair with Alberta <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">African American men are not afforded the same privileges and opportunities that white men are afforded; they are already set a step behind <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Gabe attempts to redeem Troy by using a trumpet which is a symbol for white Christianity; Wilson demonstrates that African Americans shouldn't pray to a white God that is another symbol of oppression <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Gabe is only able to "open the gates of heaven" when he turns toward his black heritage and identity, embracing African culture through this ritual <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Troy feels as if death has a personal vendetta against him; Wilson shows how African American men are more likely to struggle with death in their everyday lives <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">symbolism of growth <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">represents a change <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Troy alludes to a white man being a devil by taking an advantage of him/ image of the KKK
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">baseball: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">fences: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">trumpet mouth: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">trumpet: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Gabe's interpretive dance: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">death: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">seeds: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">trains: **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">the devil: **