August Wilson’s play “Fences” is a masterpiece of American literature that explores the complexities of family, race, and the American Dream. Through vivid characters and powerful dialogue, Wilson delves deep into the human experience, revealing the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the 1950s. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, characters, and symbols of “Fences” and examine how Wilson’s work continues to resonate with audiences today.
August Wilson and his Works
August Wilson was a prolific playwright who is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in American theater. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1945, Wilson grew up in a working-class African American family and dropped out of high school at the age of 15. Despite his lack of formal education, Wilson went on to become a celebrated writer, winning numerous awards and accolades for his plays, which explore the African American experience in the 20th century. Wilson’s most famous work is Fences, a play that tells the story of a former Negro League baseball player named Troy Maxson and his struggles to provide for his family in 1950s Pittsburgh. Fences is widely regarded as a masterpiece of American theater, and it has been adapted into a film and a Tony Award-winning Broadway production. In this article, we will explore the themes and motifs of Fences, as well as the historical and cultural context in which it was written.
The Setting of Fences
The setting of August Wilson’s play Fences is a crucial element in understanding the story’s themes and characters. The play is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the 1950s, a time when racial tensions were high and the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. The setting of the play is a small, cramped backyard in a working-class African American neighborhood. The backyard is surrounded by a wooden fence, which serves as a physical and metaphorical barrier between the characters and the outside world. The fence represents the characters’ desire for protection and privacy, but it also symbolizes the barriers that exist between them and their dreams. The setting of Fences is a powerful reminder of the struggles that African Americans faced during this time period and the ways in which they were forced to navigate a world that was often hostile and unwelcoming.
The Characters of Fences
The characters of Fences are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own unique struggles and motivations. At the center of the play is Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. Troy is a complicated figure, at once fiercely proud and deeply flawed. He is a man who has been scarred by his past, and his bitterness and anger often spill over into his relationships with those around him. Despite his flaws, however, Troy is a deeply human character, and his struggles with his own demons are both relatable and compelling. Alongside Troy are a cast of equally complex characters, including his wife Rose, his son Cory, and his best friend Bono. Each of these characters brings their own unique perspective to the play, and their interactions with Troy help to shed light on the many layers of his personality. Together, the characters of Fences create a rich and nuanced portrait of life in 1950s America, and their struggles and triumphs continue to resonate with audiences today.
Troy Maxson: A Tragic Hero
Troy Maxson, the protagonist of August Wilson’s Fences, is a tragic hero in every sense of the term. He is a man who has faced numerous challenges in his life, including racism, poverty, and a difficult childhood. Despite these obstacles, Troy has managed to build a life for himself and his family, but his tragic flaw ultimately leads to his downfall.
Troy’s tragic flaw is his inability to let go of the past. He is haunted by the memories of his abusive father and the opportunities he missed out on as a young man. This leads him to make decisions that ultimately hurt those around him, including his wife and son. His affair with Alberta and his refusal to allow his son, Cory, to pursue a career in football are just two examples of how his past influences his present.
Despite his flaws, Troy is a complex and sympathetic character. He is a man who has been dealt a difficult hand in life and has done his best to make the most of it. He is a hard worker who takes pride in providing for his family, and he is fiercely loyal to those he loves.
In the end, Troy’s tragic flaw leads to his downfall. His refusal to let go of the past ultimately destroys his relationships with those closest to him, and he dies alone and estranged from his family. However, his legacy lives on, as his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting our past and learning to let go.
Rose Maxson: A Strong Woman
Rose Maxson is a character in August Wilson’s play Fences who embodies strength and resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Rose remains steadfast and determined to protect her family and maintain her dignity. As a black woman living in 1950s Pittsburgh, Rose must navigate the complexities of racism and sexism while also dealing with the infidelity of her husband, Troy. Despite these obstacles, Rose never loses sight of her values and remains a pillar of strength for her family. Her unwavering commitment to her loved ones and her refusal to be silenced make her a powerful and inspiring character. Through Rose, Wilson highlights the strength and resilience of black women, who have historically been marginalized and overlooked in literature and society.
Cory Maxson: A Son’s Struggle
Cory Maxson is a character in August Wilson’s play Fences who struggles with the expectations of his father, Troy Maxson. Troy, a former baseball player who was denied the opportunity to play professionally due to racial discrimination, wants Cory to focus on his education and get a job that will provide him with financial stability. However, Cory dreams of playing football and hopes to earn a scholarship to college. This conflict between father and son highlights the generational divide between Troy’s experiences as a black man in America and Cory’s aspirations for a better future. As the play progresses, Cory’s struggle to assert his independence and pursue his dreams becomes increasingly fraught, leading to a dramatic confrontation with his father that ultimately forces him to make a difficult decision about his future. Through Cory’s story, Wilson explores themes of race, identity, and the challenges faced by black men in America.
Gabriel Maxson: A Symbol of Hope
Gabriel Maxson, the younger brother of Troy Maxson, is a character in August Wilson’s play Fences who serves as a symbol of hope. Despite his mental disability, Gabriel is a beacon of light in an otherwise bleak world. He is a constant reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Gabriel’s character is significant because he represents the marginalized and forgotten members of society. He is a veteran who was injured in the war and left with a metal plate in his head, which has affected his mental capacity. Gabriel’s disability has made him an outcast in society, but he remains optimistic and hopeful.
Gabriel’s hopefulness is evident in his belief that he is the archangel Gabriel, sent by God to open the gates of heaven. He carries a trumpet with him at all times, which he believes will help him fulfill his divine mission. This belief gives Gabriel a sense of purpose and meaning in life, despite his disability and the challenges he faces.
Gabriel’s character also serves as a foil to his brother Troy, who is bitter and resentful towards life. While Troy is consumed by his own struggles and failures, Gabriel remains focused on his mission and the hope that he brings to others. Gabriel’s presence in the play is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a reason to keep going.
In conclusion, Gabriel Maxson is a symbol of hope in August Wilson’s Fences. His character represents the marginalized and forgotten members of society, and his hopefulness serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Gabriel’s presence in the play is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
The Theme of Racism in Fences
One of the most prominent themes in August Wilson’s Fences is racism. The play is set in the 1950s, a time when segregation and discrimination against African Americans were rampant. The characters in the play are all affected by racism in different ways, and Wilson uses their experiences to shed light on the pervasive and insidious nature of racism. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a former Negro League baseball player who was denied the opportunity to play in the major leagues because of his race. This experience has left him bitter and resentful, and he often takes out his frustrations on his family. His son, Cory, also faces racism when he is denied a football scholarship because of his race. Wilson’s portrayal of racism in Fences is powerful and thought-provoking, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America.
The Theme of Family in Fences
The theme of family is a central focus in August Wilson’s play, Fences. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a complex character who struggles with his relationships with his wife, son, and brother. Throughout the play, Wilson explores the dynamics of family and the impact that past experiences can have on present relationships. Troy’s own troubled childhood and strained relationship with his father are reflected in his interactions with his own family. The play also touches on the theme of generational differences and the challenges of communication between parents and children. Wilson’s portrayal of family in Fences is both realistic and poignant, highlighting the complexities and struggles that can arise within even the closest of relationships.
The Symbolism of the Fence
In August Wilson’s play Fences, the fence serves as a powerful symbol throughout the story. The fence represents the physical and emotional barriers that the characters face in their lives. For Troy, the fence represents his desire to keep his family safe and protected from the outside world. He believes that the fence will keep them safe from harm and prevent them from experiencing the same hardships that he faced growing up. However, the fence also represents the emotional barriers that Troy has built up over the years. He is unable to express his true feelings to his family and friends, and the fence serves as a physical manifestation of this emotional distance. For Cory, the fence represents his desire to break free from the constraints of his father’s expectations and pursue his own dreams. The fence becomes a symbol of the generational divide between Troy and his son, and the struggle for independence and self-discovery. Overall, the symbolism of the fence in Fences is a powerful reminder of the barriers that we all face in our lives, both physical and emotional, and the importance of breaking down those barriers to connect with others and pursue our dreams.
The Use of Language in Fences
August Wilson’s Fences is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of African American life in the 1950s. One of the most striking aspects of the play is the use of language. Wilson’s characters speak in a rich and nuanced vernacular that captures the rhythms and cadences of African American speech. The language in Fences is not just a tool for communication, but a means of expressing the characters’ emotions, desires, and struggles. Wilson’s use of language is a testament to the power of words and their ability to convey the depth and complexity of human experience.
The Structure of Fences
The structure of fences is an essential aspect of August Wilson’s masterpiece. The play is divided into two acts, each with four scenes, and takes place in the backyard of the Maxson family’s home. The fence that surrounds the yard serves as a physical and metaphorical barrier between the Maxsons and the outside world. It represents the struggles and limitations that African Americans faced in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the divisions within the black community itself. The fence also serves as a symbol of Troy Maxson’s own emotional barriers, as he struggles to come to terms with his past and present. Through the structure of the play and the use of the fence as a central motif, Wilson creates a powerful and poignant exploration of the African American experience.
The Importance of Baseball in Fences
Baseball plays a crucial role in August Wilson’s play Fences. The sport serves as a metaphor for the struggles and aspirations of the African American community during the 1950s. The protagonist, Troy Maxson, is a former Negro League baseball player who was denied the opportunity to play in the Major Leagues due to racial discrimination. His bitterness towards the sport and his unfulfilled dreams of playing in the big leagues are a reflection of the systemic racism that existed in America during that time. Baseball also serves as a means of bonding between Troy and his son, Cory, who dreams of playing college football. However, Troy’s own experiences with racism and disappointment lead him to discourage his son from pursuing his dreams. The game of baseball in Fences represents the complexities of race, family, and the American Dream, making it an essential element of the play’s themes and motifs.
The Legacy of August Wilson
August Wilson’s impact on American theater and literature is immeasurable. His plays, including Fences, have been performed on stages across the country and have won numerous awards, including Pulitzer Prizes. Wilson’s work explores the African American experience in the 20th century, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of black families and communities. His characters are complex and nuanced, and his dialogue is rich and poetic. Wilson’s legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of writers and artists, and his contributions to American culture will be celebrated for years to come.
The Impact of Fences on American Literature
Fences, a play written by August Wilson, has had a significant impact on American literature. The play explores the complexities of African American life in the 1950s, and the fences that people build to protect themselves from the harsh realities of the world. The play has been widely acclaimed for its powerful portrayal of the African American experience, and its themes of family, race, and identity have resonated with readers and audiences alike. Fences has also inspired a new generation of writers to explore the impact of fences on American literature, and to continue the legacy of August Wilson’s masterpiece.
The Relevance of Fences Today
Fences, a play written by August Wilson, explores the complexities of African American life in the 1950s. The play revolves around the life of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. One of the central themes of the play is the idea of fences, both literal and metaphorical. In the play, fences are used to represent the barriers that exist between people, as well as the ways in which people try to protect themselves from the outside world. Today, fences continue to be relevant, as they are still used to mark boundaries and provide security. However, the meaning of fences has evolved over time, and they are now used to represent a variety of different things, from privacy to social status. Despite these changes, the idea of fences as a symbol of division and protection remains a powerful one, and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Comparing Fences to Other Works by August Wilson
August Wilson’s Fences is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of African American life in the 1950s. The play is part of Wilson’s ten-play cycle, which chronicles the African American experience throughout the 20th century. Comparing Fences to other works by August Wilson reveals the depth and breadth of his talent as a playwright.
One of Wilson’s most famous plays is The Piano Lesson, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990. Like Fences, The Piano Lesson explores the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American families. However, The Piano Lesson is set in the 1930s and focuses on a family’s struggle over a valuable piano that represents their history and identity. In contrast, Fences is set in the 1950s and centers on the life of a former Negro League baseball player, Troy Maxson, and his family’s struggles with poverty, racism, and generational conflict.
Another play in Wilson’s cycle is Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which is set in the 1920s and explores the exploitation of African American musicians by white record producers. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a powerful commentary on the racial and economic inequalities of the time, and it features some of Wilson’s most memorable characters. However, Fences is perhaps Wilson’s most personal and intimate play, as it draws heavily on his own experiences growing up in a working-class African American family in Pittsburgh.
Overall, comparing Fences to other works by August Wilson highlights the diversity and richness of his artistic vision. Wilson’s plays are not only powerful works of social commentary, but they are also deeply human stories that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Fences, in particular, stands as a testament to Wilson’s ability to capture the complexities of African American life with honesty, humor, and compassion.
Interpreting Fences in Different Contexts
Fences, a play written by August Wilson, is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of African American life in the 1950s. The play is set in Pittsburgh and revolves around the life of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector. One of the central themes of the play is the idea of fences, both literal and metaphorical. In different contexts, fences can have different meanings and interpretations. In this section, we will explore the different ways in which fences are interpreted in Fences.