Fences

Definition

Fences is a powerful drama written by August Wilson that explores the life of Troy Maxson, an African American former baseball player who struggles with the challenges of race, family, and his own personal demons in 1950s America. The play serves as a critical examination of the barriers that restrict the characters' aspirations and relationships, making it a significant work in the context of influential authors and plays, as well as a key piece in the Pittsburgh Cycle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fences won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987, solidifying its place as one of the essential works in American theater.
2. The title 'Fences' symbolizes both physical barriers and emotional walls that the characters build around themselves, reflecting their struggles and limitations.
3. Troy Maxson's character embodies the complexities of race relations in America, dealing with personal failure and societal constraints as an African American man.
4. The play incorporates themes of dreams deferred and the impact of past choices on present realities, highlighting the struggles of African Americans during the mid-20th century.
5. Fences has been adapted into a successful film directed by Denzel Washington in 2016, bringing renewed attention to Wilson's poignant storytelling and themes.

Review Questions

• How does August Wilson use the character of Troy Maxson to reflect the broader themes of race and identity in Fences?
  • Troy Maxson's character serves as a vehicle to explore the complexities of race and identity within mid-20th century America. As a former baseball player who faced racial discrimination, Troy embodies the struggle against societal limitations imposed on African Americans. His experiences illustrate how systemic racism impacts personal aspirations and relationships, making him a compelling representation of the fight for dignity and recognition within a constrained social structure.
• In what ways does Fences serve as a critique of familial relationships and expectations among African Americans during the time period it depicts?
  • Fences critiques familial relationships by showcasing the tensions between Troy and his family members, particularly his son Cory. Troy's own unfulfilled dreams and bitterness towards societal constraints lead him to impose his fears on Cory, stifling his son's aspirations. This dynamic reflects broader expectations placed on African American families during this era, where dreams are often deferred due to systemic obstacles. The play ultimately reveals how these generational conflicts can perpetuate cycles of disappointment and hinder personal growth.
• Evaluate how Fences fits into August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle and its significance in portraying the African American experience across different decades.
  • Fences is a critical component of August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, representing life in the 1950s while connecting deeply to themes present throughout his other plays. It captures the essence of African American struggle during this decade, emphasizing the intersectionality of race, class, and identity. By situating Fences within the broader narrative of the Pittsburgh Cycle, one can appreciate Wilson's nuanced portrayal of resilience amidst adversity. Each play contributes to a richer understanding of how historical context shapes individual experiences within the African American community, making Fences not just a standalone work but part of a larger dialogue about identity and struggle.

Related terms

The Pittsburgh Cycle: A series of ten plays by August Wilson, each set in a different decade, focusing on the African American experience throughout the 20th century.

Racial Identity: The sense of belonging to a particular racial group and how that identity influences personal and societal dynamics, often explored in African American literature.

Family Dynamics: The patterns of interaction and relationships among family members, particularly significant in Fences as it examines Troy's relationship with his family amidst his personal struggles.