Fences by August Wilson

Introduction

• Fences is a play by August Wilson, part of his ten-part series called The Pittsburgh Cycle.
• Set in the 1950s, the play explores themes of racial discrimination, family, and personal aspirations.

Main Characters

• Troy Maxson: The protagonist, a former baseball player who struggles with his past and current racial barriers.
• Rose Maxson: Troy's supportive wife, who tries to keep the family together.
• Cory Maxson: Troy and Rose's son, who has ambitions of playing football.
• Gabriel Maxson: Troy’s brother, who is mentally impaired due to a war injury.
• Jim Bono: Troy's best friend and coworker.

Themes and Motifs

• Racial Discrimination: Explores how racial barriers impact Troy’s life and opportunities.
• Family Dynamics: Focuses on the conflicts and support within the Maxson family.
• Dreams and Aspirations: Examines how personal dreams clash with societal expectations.
• The Fence: Symbolizes both protection and barriers within personal relationships.

Plot Summary

• Act 1: Introduces the Maxson family and their daily life. Troy’s past as a baseball player and his current job as a garbage collector are discussed.
• Act 2: Tensions rise as Cory’s potential football career is threatened by Troy’s disapproval. Family secrets and tensions emerge.
• Conclusion: The play ends with reflecting on Troy's life and the impact he had on his family.

Critical Analysis

• Character Development: Focus on Troy's complex personality and his relationships with other characters.
• Symbolism: The fence as a significant symbol representing various themes in the play.
• Historical Context: Reflects issues of racial injustice during the 1950s.

Conclusion

• Fences remains an important work for its exploration of African American life and its universal themes of struggle and redemption.