Fences by August Wilson Analysis | Summary | Themes

Fences by August Wilson is a powerful exploration of African American life in the 1950s. It tells the story of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector, and his family as they navigate love, duty, and the changing world around them.

This post will break down the key elements of the play, helping you understand its themes, characters, and significance.

The Story at a Glance

“Fences” takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the 1950s. Troy Maxson, the main character, lives with his wife Rose and their son Cory. Troy’s older son from a previous relationship, Lyons, and his brother Gabriel, who suffered a head injury in World War II, are also important characters.

The play revolves around Troy’s relationships with his family members and his struggle to come to terms with his past and the changing world. As the story unfolds, we see how Troy’s actions and decisions impact those around him, particularly his son Cory.

Main Characters in Fences by August Wilson

Let’s take a closer look at the key players in “Fences”:

Troy Maxson

Troy is the heart of the story. He’s a complex man with a troubled past and a difficult present. Here’s what you need to know about Troy:

• He’s 53 years old and works as a garbage collector.
• In his youth, Troy was a talented baseball player in the Negro Leagues, but he was too old to play when Major League Baseball began allowing Black players.
• Troy is proud, stubborn, and often angry about the injustices he’s faced in life.
• He loves his family but struggles to show affection, especially to his sons.

Troy is like that uncle at family gatherings who always has a story to tell, but sometimes those stories make people uncomfortable. He’s the kind of person who speaks his mind, even when it might hurt others.

Rose Maxson

Rose is Troy’s wife and a central figure in the play. Here’s what makes Rose special:

• She’s loving and patient, often acting as the peacekeeper in the family.
• Rose is devoted to her family and tries to hold everyone together.
• She has her own dreams and disappointments, which become more apparent as the play progresses.

Think of Rose as the glue that holds the Maxson family together. She’s like that friend who always knows the right thing to say to make you feel better.

Cory Maxson

Cory is Troy and Rose’s teenage son. He’s an important character because his relationship with Troy is a major source of conflict in the play. Here’s what you should know about Cory:

• He’s a talented football player with the potential for a college scholarship.
• Cory wants his father’s approval but often clashes with Troy’s strict and sometimes harsh parenting.
• He represents the younger generation and the changing opportunities for African Americans in the 1950s.

Cory is like many teenagers who dream big and want to break free from their parents’ expectations. He’s caught between respecting his father and following his own path.

Other Important Characters

• Lyons: Troy’s older son from a previous relationship. He’s a musician who often asks Troy for money.
• Gabriel: Troy’s brother who suffered a head injury in World War II. He receives a disability payment that Troy used to buy their house.
• Jim Bono: Troy’s best friend and co-worker. He serves as a sounding board for Troy and offers a different perspective on events.

Themes in Fences by August Wilson

Now that we know the main characters, let’s explore the big ideas or themes that Wilson tackles in the play:

Responsibility vs. Personal Dreams

One of the main conflicts in “Fences” is the tension between doing what’s expected of you and following your own dreams. We see this play out in several ways:

• Troy gave up his baseball dreams to support his family, and now he struggles with his son Cory’s football aspirations.
• Rose put aside her own desires to be a good wife and mother, but later realizes the cost of this sacrifice.
• Lyons pursues his passion for music, even if it means financial instability.

This theme is something many of us can relate to. Have you ever had to choose between what you want to do and what you feel you should do? That’s the kind of dilemma the characters in “Fences” face.

Race and Injustice

The play doesn’t shy away from addressing the racial injustices of 1950s America. Wilson shows us how these issues affect the characters’ lives:

• Troy’s bitterness about not being able to play Major League Baseball due to racial segregation
• The limited job opportunities available to African Americans, as seen in Troy’s work as a garbage collector
• The way Troy and Bono discuss their experiences of discrimination at work

These elements remind us that “Fences” isn’t just a family drama – it’s also a snapshot of a specific time in American history and the challenges faced by Black Americans.

Fatherhood and Family Legacy

The relationship between fathers and sons is a central theme in “Fences”:

• Troy’s complicated relationship with his own abusive father shapes how he treats his sons.
• The conflict between Troy and Cory highlights the generational gap and changing expectations.
• Troy’s actions towards his sons show how patterns of behavior can be passed down through generations.

This theme explores how our relationships with our parents can influence who we become and how we treat our own children.

The Fences We Build

The title “Fences” isn’t just about the physical fence Troy is building around his yard. It’s also a metaphor for the emotional barriers we create:

• Troy builds “fences” to protect himself from the pain of his past and the uncertainties of the future.
• The fence can represent the divisions between family members, races, and generations.
• Rose sees the fence as a way to keep her family close, while for Troy it might be a way to keep the world out.

Think about the “fences” in your own life. What barriers have you built to protect yourself? What fences might be holding you back?

Symbolism in Fences by August Wilson

August Wilson uses several symbols throughout the play to deepen its meaning. Let’s look at a few:

The Fence

We’ve talked about the metaphorical meaning of fences, but the actual fence Troy is building is also important:

• It represents Troy’s attempt to control his environment and keep out the things he fears.
• The slow progress of building the fence mirrors the slow reveal of Troy’s character throughout the play.
• Different characters view the fence differently, showing their various perspectives on life and family.

Baseball

Baseball is more than just a sport in “Fences”:

• For Troy, it represents his past glory and current bitterness.
• The baseball bat Troy uses as a weapon symbolizes how his past continues to impact his present.
• Baseball terms are often used as metaphors in Troy’s speech, showing how deeply the sport has influenced his worldview.

Gabriel’s Trumpet

Troy’s brother Gabriel believes he has a trumpet to open the gates of heaven:

• This symbolizes the characters’ hopes for redemption and a better afterlife.
• The trumpet also represents the lingering effects of war on soldiers and their families.
• Gabriel’s belief in his trumpet shows the power of faith and imagination in facing life’s challenges.

Key Scenes and Their Significance in Fences by August Wilson

Let’s break down some of the most important moments in the play:

Troy’s Confrontation with Mr. Rand

Early in the play, Troy confronts his boss about why Black workers aren’t allowed to drive the garbage trucks. This scene is crucial because:

• It shows Troy’s courage and determination to fight injustice.
• It sets up the idea that times are changing, and opportunities for Black Americans are slowly expanding.
• The scene gives us insight into Troy’s character and his experiences with racism.

Troy and Cory’s Argument About Football

The conflict between Troy and Cory over Cory’s football ambitions is a turning point in the play:

• It highlights the generational divide between father and son.
• Troy’s refusal to let Cory play football shows how his own past disappointments affect his parenting.
• This argument sets the stage for the eventual breakdown of their relationship.

Troy’s Confession to Rose

When Troy admits to Rose that he’s been unfaithful and has fathered a child with another woman, it’s a pivotal moment:

• It shatters the image of Troy as a dutiful, if difficult, husband.
• Rose’s reaction shows her strength and the depth of her love for her family.
• This confession leads to a major shift in the family dynamic and in Rose’s character.

The Final Scene

The play’s ending, which takes place after Troy’s death, is powerful and meaningful:

• It shows how Troy’s actions continue to impact his family even after he’s gone.
• The scene offers a chance for reconciliation and understanding between the characters.
• Gabriel’s attempt to open the gates of heaven for Troy provides a bittersweet and symbolic conclusion to the story.

Historical Context of Fences by August Wilson

To fully appreciate “Fences,” it’s important to understand the time in which it’s set. Here’s some historical context:

1950s America

The play takes place in the 1950s, a time of significant change in America:

• The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, but racial segregation and discrimination were still widespread.
• The economy was booming for many Americans, but opportunities for Black Americans were still limited.
• Traditional family roles were starting to be questioned, but many households still followed a more conservative model.

Baseball and Race

Baseball plays a big role in Troy’s backstory:

• The Negro Leagues, where Troy played, were professional baseball leagues for African American players.
• Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, just a few years before the play is set.
• Troy’s bitterness about missing his chance at the major leagues reflects the real experiences of many talented Black players of his generation.

Post-World War II America

The aftermath of World War II is felt in the play, particularly through Gabriel’s character:

• Many soldiers, like Gabriel, returned from the war with physical and mental injuries.
• The war led to changes in racial attitudes, as Black soldiers who had fought for their country expected better treatment at home.
• The post-war economic boom changed the landscape of American cities and created new opportunities, though these were not equally available to all.

Writing Style and Language in Fences by August Wilson

August Wilson’s writing in “Fences” is distinctive and powerful. Here are some key aspects of his style:

Poetic Dialogue

Wilson’s characters often speak in a lyrical, almost poetic way:

• Troy, in particular, has long, rhythmic speeches that blend everyday language with poetic expression.
• This style gives the dialogue a musical quality, reflecting Wilson’s love of blues music.
• The poetic language elevates ordinary conversations, giving them a sense of importance and universality.

Use of African American Vernacular English

Wilson authentically captures the way his characters would speak:

• The dialogue uses the grammar and vocabulary of African American Vernacular English.
• This choice adds realism and cultural specificity to the play.
• It also challenges the idea that “proper” English is the only valid form of expression in literature.

Storytelling and Oral Tradition

Many of the characters, especially Troy, are great storytellers:

• Troy often relates stories from his past, blending fact and myth.
• This reflects the importance of oral storytelling in African American culture.
• These stories within the play add depth to the characters and often carry important themes.

Impact and Legacy

“Fences” has had a lasting impact on American theater and culture:

Awards and Recognition

• The play won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.
• It’s considered one of August Wilson’s greatest works and a classic of American theater.

Film Adaptation

• In 2016, “Fences” was adapted into a film directed by and starring Denzel Washington.
• The movie brought the play to a wider audience and earned several Academy Award nominations.

Cultural Significance

• “Fences” is part of Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle,” a series of ten plays exploring African American experiences in different decades of the 20th century.
• The play has become a staple in many school curriculums, introducing students to important themes in American history and literature.
• It continues to be performed regularly in theaters around the world, speaking to new generations of audiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

To wrap up our exploration of “Fences,” let’s address some common questions about the play:

Q: Why is the play called “Fences”?

A: The title “Fences” works on multiple levels. On a literal level, it refers to the fence Troy is building around his yard throughout the play. Symbolically, it represents the emotional barriers between characters, the limitations placed on African Americans in 1950s society, and the ways people try to protect themselves from life’s hardships.

Q: Is Troy Maxson a hero or a villain?

A: Troy is neither a straightforward hero nor a villain. He’s a complex character with both admirable and flawed qualities. Troy shows courage in standing up against racial discrimination at work, and he’s dedicated to providing for his family. However, he also makes choices that hurt those closest to him. This complexity makes Troy a realistic and relatable character, even when we don’t agree with his actions.

Q: What is the significance of Gabriel’s character?

A: Gabriel, Troy’s brother who was injured in World War II, serves several purposes in the play. He represents the impact of war on individuals and families. His disability payments, which Troy used to buy their house, create a sense of guilt and obligation in Troy. Symbolically, Gabriel’s belief that he has a trumpet to open the gates of heaven adds a spiritual dimension to the play and offers a possibility of redemption.

Q: How does “Fences” address racial issues?

A: While “Fences” is primarily a family drama, it consistently addresses racial issues of the 1950s. Troy’s lost opportunity in baseball due to segregation, the limited job prospects for Black workers, and the changing landscape of opportunities for the younger generation are all explored. The play shows how systemic racism affects individual lives and family dynamics.

Q: What is the relationship between Troy and Cory meant to represent?

A: The conflict between Troy and Cory represents several things:

• The generational gap between parents who grew up under severe racial restrictions and their children who see new opportunities
• The cycle of troubled father-son relationships and how patterns of behavior are passed down
• The tension between protecting one’s children and allowing them to pursue their dreams

Q: Why does Rose agree to raise Raynell, Troy’s daughter from his affair?

A: Rose’s decision to raise Raynell after Alberta’s death is complex. It shows her incredible capacity for love and her commitment to family. It also represents her choice to redirect her love and energy after Troy’s betrayal. By raising Raynell, Rose finds a way to reclaim her role as a mother and to create something positive out of a painful situation.

Q: How does the play’s ending contribute to its overall message?

A: The final scene, set after Troy’s death, allows for a sense of closure and potential reconciliation. It shows how Troy’s influence continues beyond his life, both in positive and negative ways. The scene also offers hope for healing and understanding between the remaining characters, particularly Cory and his family. Gabriel’s attempt to open the gates of heaven for Troy provides a poetic and ambiguous ending, leaving the audience to reflect on themes of judgment, forgiveness, and the legacy we leave behind.

By exploring these questions, we can see how “Fences” continues to provoke thought and discussion long after the curtain falls. Its complex characters, rich themes, and powerful dialogue make it a work that resonates with audiences and readers, inviting us to examine our own lives, relationships, and the fences we build or break down.