Fences

Definition

In the context of August Wilson's plays, particularly 'Fences,' fences symbolize the barriers and limitations that characters face in their lives, often representing both physical and emotional boundaries. These barriers reflect the struggles of African Americans in the mid-20th century, dealing with systemic racism, personal aspirations, and familial relationships. Fences serve as a metaphor for the challenges in overcoming societal obstacles while also emphasizing the importance of protection and belonging within a community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Fences,' the literal fence that Troy Maxson builds symbolizes his attempts to protect his family while also reflecting his emotional barriers against society.
2. The play explores themes of race, identity, and generational conflict, demonstrating how the concept of fences affects personal relationships and aspirations.
3. Troy's struggles with his past as a baseball player illustrate the limitations imposed on African Americans during his time, which is mirrored by the metaphorical fences he builds around himself.
4. The character Rose represents resilience and the desire for connection, challenging Troy's defensive barriers and emphasizing the need for emotional openness.
5. 'Fences' ultimately presents a complex portrayal of African American life, exploring how both societal expectations and personal choices create fences that shape individual destinies.

Review Questions

• How do the fences in August Wilson's 'Fences' reflect both physical and emotional barriers faced by characters?
  • In 'Fences,' the fences constructed by Troy Maxson serve dual purposes: they are both a physical representation of his desire to protect his family and an emotional barrier he erects to shield himself from vulnerability. The fence symbolizes Troy's struggle against external societal pressures and his own internal conflicts. It encapsulates how characters navigate their identities and aspirations within a racially charged environment while highlighting their attempts to maintain relationships amid these barriers.
• Discuss how the themes in 'Fences' relate to the broader context of the Pittsburgh Cycle and the African American experience.
  • 'Fences' fits into the Pittsburgh Cycle by illustrating the complexities of African American life in mid-20th century America. Each play in Wilson's series captures different struggles and triumphs of African Americans over time, but 'Fences' specifically addresses issues such as systemic racism and generational conflict. By exploring Troy Maxson’s personal battles and relationships, the play connects individual experiences with broader historical narratives, showcasing how these themes resonate throughout Wilson's body of work.
• Evaluate the significance of the fences motif in understanding the emotional dynamics between Troy and Rose in 'Fences.'
  • The motif of fences is crucial in understanding the emotional dynamics between Troy and Rose in 'Fences.' Troy’s construction of a physical fence represents his attempt to assert control and protect his family from external threats; however, it simultaneously symbolizes his emotional isolation. Rose's desire for connection stands in stark contrast to Troy’s defensive nature. Their interactions reveal how emotional fences can hinder genuine communication and understanding in relationships, emphasizing the need for vulnerability to overcome barriers that separate them.

Related terms

Symbolism: A literary device where symbols are used to represent ideas or qualities, enhancing the meaning of a work.

Pittsburgh Cycle: A series of ten plays by August Wilson that portray the African American experience through different decades, highlighting cultural, social, and historical themes.

Tragedy: A genre of drama that presents serious themes and often involves a protagonist who faces inevitable downfall or suffering due to a flaw or circumstance.