Exploring August Wilson's *Fences* Play

Jan 17, 2025

August Wilson's Fences - Lecture Notes

Overview

  • Fences is a play by August Wilson set in 1957.
  • The main character is Troy, a 53-year-old African American man, who works as a garbage collector.
  • The play explores themes of race, family, responsibility, and personal dreams.

Act 1

Scene 1

  • Characters Introduced: Troy, Bono, Rose, Lyons.
  • Setting: The backyard of Troy's home in 1957.
  • Plot:
    • Troy discusses racism at work, questioning why only white men drive garbage trucks.
    • He has filed a complaint with the union.
    • Troy and Bono discuss women, hinting at Troy's interest in another woman, Alberta.
    • Rose joins, showing her devotion and understanding of Troy.
    • Lyons, Troy's son from a previous relationship, visits to borrow money.

Scene 2

  • Characters Introduced: Gabriel (Troy’s brother).
  • Plot:
    • Rose hangs laundry and sings, showing her domestic life.
    • Gabriel, who is mentally impaired from a war injury, visits.
    • Discussion about Gabriel's condition, his independence, and his living arrangements.

Scene 3

  • Plot:
    • Troy and Rose discuss finances and their son Cory’s future.
    • Tensions arise over Cory’s potential football career and Troy's past as a baseball player.

Scene 4

  • Plot:
    • Troy shares a story about his father, revealing a difficult upbringing.
    • Gabriel is taken to the hospital; Troy spends money to get him out.
    • Rose confronts Troy about his affair with Alberta.
    • The scene ends with a heated argument between Troy and Cory.

Act 2

Scene 1

  • Plot:
    • Troy announces his promotion at work, becoming the first black driver.
    • Tension with Cory escalates as Troy's authoritarian nature clashes with Cory's ambitions.

Scene 2

  • Plot:
    • Troy confesses to Rose about his affair with Alberta and that he’s expecting a child.
    • Rose reacts with anger and betrayal.

Scene 3

  • Plot:
    • Alberta dies in childbirth; Troy is left with the baby.
    • Rose agrees to raise the child but distances herself from Troy.

Scene 4

  • Plot:
    • Cory and Troy have a violent confrontation.
    • Cory leaves the house, asserting his independence.

Scene 5

  • Time Jump: The scene is set in 1965 during Troy's funeral.
  • Plot:
    • Cory returns as a Marine corporal, conflicted about attending Troy's funeral.
    • Rose reflects on her life with Troy, offering insight into her resilience and sacrifices.
    • The play ends with a symbolic opening of heaven's gates by Gabriel.

Themes & Analysis

  • Racial Discrimination: Explored through Troy’s work experiences and his past as a baseball player.
  • Family and Responsibility: The dynamic between Troy, Rose, and their children highlights challenges in family roles.
  • Dreams and Disappointments: Troy's thwarted dreams impact his relationships, especially with Cory.
  • Generational Conflict: The father-son dynamic between Troy and Cory is central, reflecting broader societal changes.

Important Symbols

  • The Fence: Represents both division and protection, symbolizing Troy's relationships and personal struggles.
  • Baseball: A metaphor for life's challenges and Troy's unfulfilled potential.

Characters

  • Troy Maxson: The protagonist; a complex character struggling with past disappointments and current responsibilities.
  • Rose Maxson: Troy's wife; represents loyalty and perseverance.
  • Cory Maxson: Troy and Rose’s son; his future is a central point of conflict.
  • Gabriel: Troy’s brother, whose mental impairment represents the costs of war and personal sacrifice.
  • Bono: Troy’s friend, represents loyalty and provides an outside perspective on Troy's life.
  • Lyons: Troy’s son from a previous marriage, represents different life choices.

These notes capture the essence of the play Fences by August Wilson, highlighting character dynamics, themes, and plot developments for further study and analysis.