August Wilson’s “Fences” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that explores the complexities of African American life in the 1950s. Set in Pittsburgh, the play follows the life of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. Through Troy’s relationships with his family and friends, the play delves into themes of race, masculinity, and the American Dream. This article provides an overview of the play and its significance in American theater.
Plot Summary
In August Wilson’s “Fences,” the story revolves around Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in Pittsburgh during the 1950s. The play explores themes of race, family, and the American Dream as Troy struggles to provide for his family and come to terms with his past. Troy’s relationships with his wife, Rose, and his sons, Lyons and Cory, are tested as he grapples with his own demons and the changing world around him. As the play unfolds, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.
Main Characters
The main characters in August Wilson’s “Fences” are Troy Maxson, his wife Rose, and their son Cory. Troy is a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. He is a complex character who is both charismatic and flawed. He is a proud man who has experienced racism and discrimination throughout his life, and he is determined to provide for his family. However, his past mistakes and his stubbornness often lead to conflict with those around him. Rose is a devoted wife and mother who tries to keep the peace in the family. She is a strong and resilient woman who has endured her own share of hardships. Cory is a talented high school football player who dreams of playing in college. He is a typical teenager who struggles to find his place in the world and to gain his father’s approval. The relationships between these characters are at the heart of the play, and their interactions reveal the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of navigating life in a society that is often unjust.
Setting and Time Period
August Wilson’s “Fences” is set in the 1950s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The play takes place in the backyard of the Maxson family’s home, which is surrounded by a wooden fence that Troy Maxson, the protagonist, is building throughout the play. The setting of the play is significant as it reflects the racial tensions and economic struggles of the time period. The 1950s were a time of great change in America, with the Civil Rights Movement gaining momentum and the country experiencing economic growth. However, African Americans still faced discrimination and segregation, and the play explores the impact of these issues on the Maxson family. The setting also highlights the importance of family and community in African American culture, as the Maxson family and their neighbors rely on each other for support and survival. Overall, the setting and time period of “Fences” provide a rich backdrop for the play’s exploration of race, family, and the American Dream.
Themes and Motifs
One of the most prominent themes in August Wilson’s “Fences” is the struggle for identity and self-worth. The play’s protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a former baseball player who feels trapped in his life as a garbage collector. He constantly battles with his own sense of worth and tries to assert his dominance over those around him, including his wife and sons. This struggle for identity is also reflected in the character of Troy’s son, Cory, who is trying to find his place in the world and assert his own independence. Another important theme in the play is the impact of the past on the present. Troy’s experiences as a black man in America during the 1950s and 60s have shaped his worldview and his relationships with those around him. The play also explores the impact of generational trauma and the ways in which it can be passed down from one generation to the next. These themes are woven throughout the play and contribute to its powerful portrayal of the African American experience in the mid-20th century.
Symbols in the Play
One of the most prominent symbols in August Wilson’s “Fences” is the fence itself. The fence represents the physical and emotional barriers that Troy Maxson, the play’s protagonist, has built around himself. It also symbolizes the racial and social barriers that existed in 1950s America, as Troy struggles to provide for his family and achieve his dreams in a society that is stacked against him. The fence serves as a constant reminder of the limitations that Troy faces, both internally and externally. Another important symbol in the play is the baseball bat, which represents Troy’s past as a talented athlete and his ongoing struggle to come to terms with his unfulfilled potential. The bat also serves as a symbol of power and control, as Troy uses it to assert his dominance over his family and friends. These symbols, along with others throughout the play, help to deepen the themes and characters of “Fences” and make it a powerful and enduring work of American drama.
Wilson’s Writing Style
August Wilson’s writing style in “Fences” is characterized by his use of vernacular language and his ability to capture the essence of African American life in the 1950s. Wilson’s writing is often described as poetic, with his use of metaphors and symbolism adding depth to the characters and their experiences. His dialogue is natural and authentic, reflecting the rhythms and cadences of everyday speech. Wilson’s writing also explores themes of family, identity, and the African American experience, making “Fences” a powerful and thought-provoking play.
Critical Reception
August Wilson’s “Fences” has received critical acclaim since its premiere in 1985. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987 and has been praised for its powerful portrayal of African American life in the 1950s. Critics have noted the play’s exploration of themes such as family, race, and the American Dream, as well as its use of language and symbolism. Some have also praised the play’s depiction of complex and flawed characters, particularly the protagonist Troy Maxson. However, others have criticized the play for its portrayal of women and its use of stereotypes. Despite these criticisms, “Fences” remains a significant work in American theater and continues to be performed and studied today.
Impact on American Theater
August Wilson’s “Fences” has had a significant impact on American theater since its premiere in 1985. The play, which explores themes of race, family, and the American Dream, has been widely produced and studied in theaters and classrooms across the country. Wilson’s use of vernacular language and his portrayal of complex, flawed characters has been praised for its authenticity and depth. “Fences” was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987, cementing its place in the canon of American theater. The play has also been adapted into a film, further expanding its reach and influence. Wilson’s legacy as a playwright continues to inspire and challenge theater artists today.
Wilson’s Biography
August Wilson was born Frederick August Kittel Jr. on April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents were Frederick August Kittel Sr., a German immigrant, and Daisy Wilson Kittel, an African American woman from North Carolina. Wilson’s parents divorced when he was young, and he and his siblings were primarily raised by their mother in the Hill District, a predominantly black neighborhood in Pittsburgh.
Wilson dropped out of high school at age 15 and began educating himself at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. He later attended Connelly Vocational High School, where he earned his diploma. Wilson worked a variety of jobs, including as a dishwasher, a cook, and a porter, before he began writing plays in the late 1960s.
Wilson’s plays are known for their exploration of the African American experience, particularly in the 20th century. He is best known for his “Pittsburgh Cycle,” a series of ten plays that each take place in a different decade of the 20th century and explore the lives of African Americans in Pittsburgh. “Fences,” which premiered on Broadway in 1987, is the sixth play in the cycle and is considered one of Wilson’s greatest works.
Wilson was a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, for “Fences” and “The Piano Lesson,” and was also awarded a Tony Award for “Fences.” He died on October 2, 2005, at the age of 60, from liver cancer. Wilson’s legacy as a playwright and chronicler of the African American experience continues to be celebrated and studied today.
Adaptations of “Fences”
“Adaptations of “Fences” have been made for both the big and small screens. In 2016, a film adaptation directed by and starring Denzel Washington was released, with Viola Davis also reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Rose. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
In addition to the film, “Fences” has also been adapted for television. In 2013, a live television production of the play was broadcast on PBS as part of the “American Masters” series. The production starred Laurence Fishburne as Troy and Angela Bassett as Rose.
These adaptations have brought Wilson’s powerful story to new audiences and have further cemented “Fences” as a classic of American theater.”
Analysis of Act One
In Act One of August Wilson’s “Fences,” the audience is introduced to the protagonist, Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in Pittsburgh. The play is set in the 1950s, a time when racial tensions were high and opportunities for African Americans were limited.
Troy is a complex character who is both charismatic and flawed. He is a proud man who has experienced a great deal of hardship in his life, including time in prison and a difficult childhood. He is also a man who is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality and the choices he has made in his life.
One of the central conflicts in Act One is Troy’s relationship with his son, Cory. Troy is determined to prevent Cory from pursuing a career in football, believing that the sport will only lead to disappointment and heartache. This conflict is representative of the larger theme of the play, which is the struggle for African Americans to achieve their dreams and aspirations in a society that is stacked against them.
Another important aspect of Act One is the role of Rose, Troy’s wife. Rose is a strong and supportive character who is often the voice of reason in the play. She is a symbol of the strength and resilience of African American women, who have historically been the backbone of their families and communities.
Overall, Act One of “Fences” sets the stage for the rest of the play, introducing the audience to the characters and themes that will be explored in greater depth in the following acts. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Analysis of Act Two
Act Two of August Wilson’s “Fences” delves deeper into the complex relationships between the characters. The tension between Troy and his son Cory reaches a boiling point as Cory’s dreams of playing football are crushed by his father’s bitterness and resentment. Meanwhile, Troy’s affair with Alberta is revealed, causing a rift in his marriage to Rose. The themes of betrayal, regret, and the consequences of one’s actions are explored in this act, as the characters struggle to come to terms with their past and present circumstances. The powerful dialogue and emotional performances in Act Two make it a pivotal moment in the play, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion in Act Three.
The Role of Baseball in the Play
Baseball plays a significant role in August Wilson’s play “Fences.” The sport serves as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges faced by the African American community during the 1950s. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, was a talented baseball player in his youth but was denied the opportunity to play professionally due to racial discrimination. This experience has left him bitter and resentful, and he often takes out his frustrations on his family. Baseball also represents the American Dream, which Troy believes is unattainable for African Americans. The sport serves as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the injustices faced by the black community. Through the use of baseball, Wilson highlights the themes of racism, discrimination, and the struggle for equality in America.
Racial Tension in the Play
August Wilson’s “Fences” is a powerful play that explores the complexities of race relations in America during the 1950s. The play is set in Pittsburgh and follows the life of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. Throughout the play, we see how racial tension affects Troy and his family, as well as the larger community.
One of the most striking aspects of “Fences” is the way it portrays the impact of racism on Troy’s life. As a black man in America, Troy has faced countless obstacles and injustices. He was denied the opportunity to play professional baseball because of his race, and he struggles to provide for his family on a meager salary. These experiences have left Troy bitter and resentful, and he often takes out his frustrations on those around him.
The play also explores the relationship between Troy and his son, Cory. Cory is a talented football player who dreams of playing in college, but Troy is skeptical of his son’s abilities and discourages him from pursuing his dreams. This conflict is rooted in Troy’s own experiences with racism and his belief that black men are not given the same opportunities as white men. However, his actions ultimately drive a wedge between him and his son, highlighting the destructive impact of racial tension on families and communities.
Overall, “Fences” is a powerful and thought-provoking play that offers a nuanced exploration of race relations in America. Through its complex characters and richly detailed setting, the play invites audiences to consider the ways in which racism continues to shape our society and our relationships with one another.
Father-Son Relationships in the Play
One of the central themes in August Wilson’s “Fences” is the complex relationship between fathers and sons. The play explores the strained relationship between Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector, and his son Cory, who dreams of playing football in college. Troy’s own experiences with racism and disappointment have left him bitter and resentful, and he struggles to connect with his son in a meaningful way. Meanwhile, Cory feels trapped by his father’s expectations and longs to break free and pursue his own dreams. Through their interactions, Wilson examines the ways in which fathers and sons can both support and hinder each other, and the challenges of navigating generational differences and conflicting desires.
Wilson’s Use of Language and Dialogue
August Wilson’s “Fences” is a masterpiece of American drama, and one of the key elements that makes it so powerful is Wilson’s use of language and dialogue. Throughout the play, Wilson employs a rich and complex vocabulary, drawing on a range of dialects and idioms to create a vivid and authentic portrait of African American life in the mid-twentieth century. At the same time, he uses dialogue to explore the complex relationships between the play’s characters, revealing their hopes, fears, and conflicts in a way that is both subtle and profound. Whether he is depicting the banter between Troy and his friend Bono, the tense exchanges between Troy and his son Cory, or the poignant conversations between Troy and his wife Rose, Wilson’s dialogue is always sharp, insightful, and deeply moving. As a result, “Fences” is not only a powerful work of drama, but also a rich and rewarding exploration of the human experience.
Character Development in “Fences”
One of the most striking aspects of August Wilson’s “Fences” is the way in which the characters develop over the course of the play. At the beginning of the story, we are introduced to Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in Pittsburgh. Troy is a complex character, full of contradictions and flaws. He is fiercely proud and independent, but also deeply resentful of the limitations placed on him by society. He is a loving husband and father, but also prone to anger and violence. As the play unfolds, we see Troy struggle to come to terms with his past, his present, and his future. We see him confront his own mortality, his relationships with his family and friends, and his own sense of identity. Through it all, we see him grow and change, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. And in the end, we are left with a portrait of a man who is flawed, but also deeply human and relatable.
Wilson’s Other Plays
In addition to “Fences,” August Wilson wrote nine other plays that make up his “Century Cycle.” Each play is set in a different decade of the 20th century and explores the experiences of African Americans during that time period. Some of Wilson’s other notable works include “The Piano Lesson,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990, and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” which was adapted into a film in 2020. Wilson’s plays are known for their powerful storytelling, vivid characters, and exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the African American experience.