essay prompts for fences

by August Wilson

Fences themes, the creation of order.

The overarching theme of the play, alluded to in the title, is the idea of the creation of order - a fence is not a barrier in this reading, but a way to compartmentalize the world into understandable, manageable chunks. Troy Maxson is chiefly responsible for this desire for order, though for a different reason his wife Rose also craves it. Troy is caught in a world in which he feels he does not belong. He carries with him the scars, oppression, and disorder of his Southern childhood, the abuse of his father, and an unwelcome Pittsburgh. On the other hand, he is also a part of the growing African American middle class. He is promoted for a job he feels he does not deserve and he is unable to accept the idea that his children might have the freedom to create their own lives. For Troy, a fence is a way to section off part of the world as his own - his desire for a fence is a desire to find his place in the time and culture of twentieth century America.

The American Dream

Troy Maxson is the embodiment of an African-American generation, growing up in the post-World War II era, that finds itself finally able to realize the American ideal of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Troy has become more successful than his father, who remained a poor sharecropper and never owned his own land or property but, instead, paid all his wages and his life to an unjust land owner. Troy has bought his own house (though he feels guilty about the methods of payment). And in his sexual relationships he has embodied the freedom of a man to follow his own desires in a pursuit of happiness. Troy Maxson embraces his desire to be an individual.

This pursuit of the American Dream, however, is not without conflict. Troy cannot envision a generation doing more than his own accomplished. He cannot imagine his son achieving an even greater dream, and he cannot imagine a life unburdened by responsibility to family. In this way, Troy remains chained to his expectations of what a man can accomplish in the world.

African American Difference

In Fences , as well in his other plays, August Wilson seeks to point out the idea of difference between races and culture more than the monocultural ideal of sameness. The Civil Rights era of the 1960's and '70's can be broadly construed as African American's struggle for the same rights as whites. By the 1980's, Wilson saw this struggle for equality morphing into a culture that was attempting to erase the differences between races and peoples. African Americans, according to Wilson, were different than whites or any other races. They have their own distinct culture, history, and society. No people should have to become part of the majority culture just to enjoy the majority's rights and privileges.

Maintaining this difference is painful, and often destructive, as Fences shows. In his son Corey, Troy sees a generation that not only aspires for their own success in the world but also seeks to fold themselves into the white culture of the day. Sports is a metaphor for this; while Troy is bitter at losing his chance to play in an integrated Major Leagues, he still idealizes the Negro Leagues as symbol of African American pride. When Corey seeks a college scholarship to play football, Troy fears that his son will lose the difference of his race in his drive for success. This conflict of difference ultimately, and perhaps necessarily, destroys their relationship.

The Ideal of Responsibility

Troy Maxson is a man who takes seriously his responsibility for his family. His seriousness also becomes his greatest liability. Troy is a man caught between his own desire for freedom, embodied in his affair with Alberta and his fathering of an illegitimate child, and his fierce sense of loyalty to his wife, children, and brother.

Troy's sense of responsibility comes from his own father's bitter care for him and his siblings. His father's loyalty to his family can be seen as poisonous; his father's betrayal poisons his own relationship with Corey. Ultimately, Troy becomes his father. He abandons Rose for another woman and stubbornly refuses to repent for his sins. He also abandons his own brother and son, severing his relationships in his own quest for freedom. Troy demonstrates the idea that responsibility becomes as much a liability as a virtue.

Personal Apocalypse

Troy's brother Gabriel is a symbol of the personal apocalypse of Troy Maxson. Apocalypse, in its original meaning, connotes a revelation, or an understanding of the world that brings about some kind of ending. In Fences , Troy's struggles with his family and with his sense of purpose reveal to him the nature of death and the impermanence of his own life. Gabriel, thinking that he is the literal angel Gabriel, foretells this revelation in Troy's life. He insists that Troy's life is written in St. Peter's book, though his mortality is not a concept of which Troy can conceive. The tragedies of Troy's life serve as a series of death events; the abandonment by his father, his own abandonment of his son, the death of his lover, and ultimately the end of his own life all remind Troy that he is not in control of his own life, even as he attempts to control everyone around him.

Changing African American Culture

August Wilson's "Pittsburgh Cycle" portrays African American life in Pittsburgh during each decade of the twentieth century. Fences resonated with audiences partly because it so accurately captured the unique situation of African Americans during the 1950's and '60's. This was a time of great change for African American culture. The Civil Rights movement was in its nascent stages. African Americans were slowly moving into a respectable middle class and out of the destitute poverty of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The post-World War II generation was first embracing the ideal of personal freedom.

There are several instances of this changing culture in Fences . One is Troy's own advancement in his job. Troy is a trash collector, a seemingly undesirable job, yet his promotion to truck driver bestows on him a level of authority and purpose that he feels he has otherwise not achieved in his life. His discomfort with his own advancement is seen in his desire to retire shortly after getting his raise. This changing culture also creates bitterness in Troy. This is seen in his love/hate relationship with the game of baseball. On the one hand, Troy loves the game for the identity that it once gave him; on the other hand, he despises the game for its segregation and for robbing him of his chance at greatness. Troy is caught in the changing culture and represents a generation lost in their understanding of the world around them.

Freedom vs. Protection

The fence in August Wilson's play serves as a symbol of conflicting desires. In one sense, Troy and Rose seek to build a fence to keep the world out of their lives. Rose's desire for a fence symbolizes the way in which she seeks to protect her family. She knows that Troy's checkered past is always there and that he is, perhaps, only moments away from making decisions that forever affect her and her child. Rose's fence seeks to keep the family in and the dangerous world out. It is a symbol of protection.

Though Troy seeks to protect his family and his way of life, the fence also becomes a symbol of discontent in his own life. In his confrontation with Rose, Troy exclaims that he has spent his whole life providing for the family. He has been the protector and defender of a quiet, normal life. The fence, therefore, does not protect Troy but instead keeps him from achieving his ultimate desire for individuality and self actualization.

Fences Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Fences is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Troy seems to limit Rose to the domestic. Rose is the only character that is a woman that plays a role. Troy seems to marginalize her and seems to view women as ultimately disposable in some way.

Why does Troy refuse to accept Lyon's repayment of the loan?

Troy naturally assumes that Lyons will soon be back for another "loan", it's a bit of a habit for Lyons to come to his father for money. Thus, to prove his point, Troy tells Lyons to put the money in the bank, so he can just go and take it out...

Discuss your thoughts on Cory intial decision not to attend Troys funeral. Why did he feel this way ? Do you agree?

I was actually surprised that Cory traveled home for the funeral, and yet, he decided not to attend. On one hand, we can consider the fact that Cory's last fight with his father and the fact they never came to terms weighed heavily on Cory... it's...

Study Guide for Fences

Fences study guide contains a biography of August Wilson, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Fences
• Fences Summary
• Character List

Essays for Fences

Fences essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Fences by August Wilson.

• The Importance of Dreams
• The Significance of Songs in August Wilson's Fences
• Death and Baseball: August Wilson's Fences
• Rebuilding Relationships in Fences
• The Apple and the Tree: Family Ties in The Namesake and Fences

Lesson Plan for Fences

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Fences
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Fences Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Fences

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August Wilson

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Blackness and Race Relations

Set in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, Fences explores the experience of one black family living in the era of segregation and a burgeoning black rights movement, exposing, at the heart of its characters’ psychology, a dynamic between the inner world of a black community and the expanse of white power around it.

The fence which Troy gradually builds in front of his house serves as a symbol of segregation, as well as the general psychological…

Practicality, Idealism, and Race

Fences explores the different views some of its characters have about what’s feasible, achievable, and practical or life-sustaining with regard to career ambitions and future goals. Troy disapproves of the livelihoods to which his sons aspire, considering them to be idealistic dreams compared to what he views as more practical trades. Troy’s disapproval, especially in Cory ’s case, is largely informed by his own experience growing up black. Cory’s youth—his experience growing up in a…

Manhood and Fathers

The play largely revolves around the turbulent relationship between Troy and his children—particularly his relationship with Cory . Cory’s desire to assert his own manhood and determine his own future clashes with the authority Troy feels as a father. Further, Cory’s ambitions go against everything Troy thinks will be good and healthy for his son’s prosperity.

Cory evolves in the play from cowering in fear of his father to ultimately severing his ties with him…

Family, Duty, and Betrayal

Fences is a portrayal of family life—of how its characters view their roles as individual family members, and how they each define their commitment or duty to the family; it also explores how betrayal can break the familial bond.

Troy refuses to tell Cory he loves him; rather, Troy tells Cory he only acts out of duty towards him as a son, and that there’s no reason that love necessarily must be involved. Duty, for…

The topic of death appears throughout the play in various forms, both in the physical death of two characters ( Troy and Alberta ), as well as in the stories told by Troy and through his brother Gabriel ’s obsession with the Christian afterlife.

Troy mentions the grim reaper (“ Mr. Death ”) several times throughout the play, telling a story about how they once wrestled. Troy seems to believe that, while death is an…

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Fences by August Wilsons: Critical Analysis

The central theme in Fences by August Wilsonsrevolves around the construction of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical, to delineate familial and personal spaces.

Titles and Themes in Fences by August Wilsons

Table of Contents

The central theme in Fences by August Wilsons revolves around the construction of boundaries, both physical and metaphorical, to delineate familial and personal spaces. As Robert Frost aptly noted, “Good fences make good neighbors,” a sentiment echoed by the character Bono when Troy, the protagonist, fails to grasp the rationale behind Rose’s request for a fence to be built. Bono’s pragmatic understanding of this adage stems from his outsider perspective, enabling him to perceive the significance of such boundaries more acutely than Troy and Cory, who are entrenched in their familial roles. Moreover, Bono’s astuteness extends to his awareness of Troy’s extramarital affair with Alberta, a revelation that underscores Rose’s subconscious apprehensions about her husband’s fidelity.

Characters in Fences by August Wilsons

Indeed, Troy faces considerable challenges in providing for his family, given the limited opportunities available to him in his position. As a result, he seeks solace and escape in various outlets, including love, alcohol, and music. His relationship with Alberta, which Bono is aware of, serves as one manifestation of this quest for refuge. When Rose insists on building a fence in front of their home, Troy and Cory are initially perplexed by her request. However, Bono astutely recognizes the symbolic significance behind Rose’s desire for a fence, articulating that “Some people build fences to keep people out and other people build fences to keep people in.” This insight suggests that Rose’s intention may be twofold: to preserve her relationship with Troy and to create a barrier that prevents external influences from disrupting their familial bonds. The title of the play, “Fences,” thus assumes a profound thematic significance, encapsulating the themes of boundaries, containment, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships explored throughout the narrative.

Racism in Fences by August Wilsons

Racism, particularly discriminatory racialism, serves as a pervasive and poignant element that shapes the experiences of the Maxson family in “Fences.” As an African American family, the Maxsons navigate a society where racial prejudice and inequality are deeply ingrained. Troy’s occupation as a garbage collector reflects the limited opportunities available to black individuals in a society where they are systematically marginalized and discriminated against. His thwarted dreams of becoming a professional baseball player further highlight the systemic barriers faced by African Americans, as despite possessing the talent and potential, racial segregation prohibited him from achieving his aspirations.

The metaphorical significance of Troy’s past aspirations underscores the broader theme of racial injustice and the insidious ways in which it restricts the opportunities and aspirations of black individuals. Despite his capabilities and ambitions, Troy’s race serves as a formidable barrier to his advancement, relegating him to a subordinate position in society. His application to become a truck driver exemplifies his awareness of the racial prejudices that permeate the societal landscape, as he confronts the pervasive belief that only white individuals are deemed fit for certain professions. Troy’s refusal to allow Cory to pursue soccer further illustrates the internalization of racism within his psyche, as he perpetuates the cycle of racial discrimination by imposing limitations on his son’s aspirations. Through Troy’s experiences and actions, August Wilson adeptly portrays the enduring impact of racism on individuals and families, shedding light on the pervasive and systemic nature of racial injustice in American society.

Fence in Fences by August Wilsons

Indeed, in “Fences” by August Wilson, each character experiences both gains and losses throughout the narrative. Troy Maxson, for instance, loses his wife Rose when he engages in an extramarital affair with Alberta. However, he also gains a renewed appreciation for Rose’s importance in his life, as evidenced by his return with their daughter Raynell after Alberta’s death. Similarly, Cory experiences frustration and resentment towards his father for preventing him from pursuing his dream of joining the football team. Nevertheless, he ultimately achieves academic success by graduating from high school and later finds fulfillment in his decision to enlist in the Marines.

Rose emerges as a winner in her own right, despite Troy’s initial neglect of her, as she gains Raynell as a daughter through Troy’s affair. Gabriel, despite his mental disability, contributes to the family by helping to pay the mortgage, highlighting his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Bono, Troy’s friend, serves as a catalyst for positive change in Troy’s life, as he helps to salvage their marriage by revealing Troy’s secret affair to Rose. In this manner, each major character in “Fences” experiences a blend of triumphs and setbacks, reflecting the complexity of human experiences and relationships portrayed in the play.

Works Cited: Fences by August Wilsons

• Wessling, Joseph H . “Wilson’s Fences.” The Explicator 57.2 (1999): 123-127.
• Baharvand, Peyman Amanolahi. “The Failure of the American Dream in August Wilson’s Fences.” International Journal of English Language & Translation Studies 5.4 (2017): 69-75.

Relevant Questions about Fences by August Wilsons

• How does the symbolism of the fence in “Fences” by August Wilson contribute to the thematic exploration of barriers, both physical and metaphorical, within the African American experience?
• In what ways does the protagonist, Troy Maxson, embody the struggles and aspirations of African American men in 1950s America, and how does his character arc reflect broader societal issues?
• How does August Wilson use the familial dynamics and relationships within the Maxson family to explore themes of responsibility, duty, and the impact of past traumas on present-day relationships in “Fences”?

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Fences — Themes in August Wilson’s Fences: Navigating Dreams and Struggles

Themes in August Wilson’s Fences: Navigating Dreams and Struggles

• Categories: Fences

About this sample

Words: 620 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 620 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Dreams and aspirations, struggles and obstacles, interplay between dreams and struggles.

• Wilson, A. (1985). Fences. Penguin.
• Sandberg, L. (2006). Troy Maxson and the African American Experience in August Wilson’s[Title of Play]. University of Agder Master’s Thesis.
• Barnett, (2017). August Wilson and the Long Civil Rights Movement. Journal of African American Studies, 21(2), 253-268.

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The play “Fences” by August Wilson carries a multitude of messages that resonate with audiences across different time periods. While the issues of racial inequality and workplace discrimination may have been more prevalent when [...]

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80 Fences Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on fences, ✍️ fences essay topics for college, 🎓 most interesting fences research titles, 💡 simple fences essay ideas.

• Significance of the Title “Fences” by August Wilson
• Troy and Cory Conflict in “Fences” Play by Wilson
• Literary Analysis of Fences by August Wilson
• A Driving Conflict in Wilson’s Fences Play
• Play “Fences” by August Wilson Analysis
• Racism and Pessimism in Wilson’s Play “Fences”
• Similarities and Contrasts between “Fences” and “Death of a Salesman”
• August Wilson “Fences”: Plot and Themes In “Fences,” the author presses the themes of love, parenting, marriage, and the inner struggles of man under the pressure of social norms and the challenging difficulties of life
• Social Issues in August Wilson’s “Fences” August Wilson’s “Fences” delves into the lives of African Americans. More specifically, Wilson uses the life of the protagonist, Troy Maxson, to explore common social conflicts.
• Troy Maxson and Realism in “Fences” Play by Wilson This essay examines the realism that lies at the heart of moral ambiguity in fiction by focusing on Troy Maxson’s intentions in the “Fences” play by August Wilson.
• Antagonist in “Fences” Play by August Wilson “Fences” is a fascinating story and a play written by August Wilson in the 20th century, exploring the evolving African American experience and racial relations.
• Analysis of a Scene from ‘Fences’ by August Wilson Fences is a play about conflict within the family, and Act 1 Scene 4 is a great representation of it. The scene reveals the character’s true goals, which Troy does not approve of.
• August Wilson’s “Fences” Play on the Theater Stage In the play Fences by August Wilson, two great actors, Denzel Washington and James Earl Jones showed the character of the protagonist and his relationship with a son.
• “Fences” a Play by August Wilson One of the main themes in The Fences is the theme of parenting. Both Troy’s and Bono’s sad recalls offering background for considering the similarities and dissimilarities of the generations.
• “Fences” by August Wilson: Play Analysis The play “Fences” by August Wilson strives to show how the life of a common black man can be damaged from the inside and outside if wrong interpretations and judgments exist.
• “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles vs. “Fences” by Wilson Both plays “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles and “Fences” by August Wilson extensively explore the themes of betrayal and trust, family and relationships, as well as pride and prejudice.
• “Fences”: Wilson’s Play and Washington’s Movie This paper analyzes the use of visual and auditory narrative in the play “Fences” by August Wilson and the eponymous film by Denzel Washington.
• Analysis of Play “Fences” by August Wilson August Wilson’s play “Fences” concerns the topic of the daily struggles of Afro-American people, as its characters face discrimination based on their race.
• Troy vs. Family Conflict in “Fences” Short Story by August Wilson In the short story “Fences,” the conflict between Troy and his Family is vivid, as exemplified when he argues with his son Cory, his wife Rose, Lyons, and with his late father.
• Racism in Foster’s “Elegy of Color”, Hurston’s “Sweat,” and Wilson’s “Fences” This research focuses on Foster’s poem “Elegy of Color,” Hurston’s book “Sweat,” and Wilson’s play “Fences” which provide a historical context for the understanding of racism.
• The Play “Fences” by August Wilson The story of Fences develops between 1957 and 1965 – a period in which several processes and significant historical phenomena took place.
• “Fences” by August Wilson: Troy Maxson’s Character In Fences, the character of Troy Maxon seems like a representation of a hardworking man, who gives up on his ideas of happiness to ensure that his family has financial security.
• August Wilson’s Play “Fences”: The Perspective of Rose The female figure in August Wilson’s play Fences is Rose Maxon. The author contrasts the macho physical strength of Troy with the feminine spiritual strength of Rose.
• Fences, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Young Goodman Brown”: Analysis “Fences”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Young Goodman Brown” explore interpersonal conflicts, the role of memories in shaping individuals’ lives and duality of human nature.
• Racial Issues in the “Fences” Play by August Wilson The play “Fences” by August Wilson relates the story of Troy Maxson, a former player in the Negro basketball league, trying to provide for his family.
• The Play “Fences” by Wilson and the Short Story “Cathedral” by Carver The central pieces of the play “Fences” by Wilson and the short story “Cathedral” by Carver, are the issue of isolation, human rigidity, disbelief in society, and gender roles.
• Rose as a Family Leader in “Fences” by August Wilson This paper discusses the character of Rose in Wilson’s play “Fences” and argues that Rose is a loving, caring, and independent woman, who acts as a true leader of her family.
• Discussion of August Wilson’s “Fences” The play “Fences” has several symbols which the author utilizes to place emphasis on certain themes such as racial, gender and social segregation.
• Wilson’s “Fences”: Discussion of Rose Character It is important to note that Rose in “Fences” is the only female figure and a vital character who represents maternal care and practical love.
• August Wilson’s Fences Analysis The play is Fences by August Wilson, written in 1983. This play is set in the yard of the main character, Troy Maxson.
• Willson’s “Fences”: Where Masculinity Is Born Masculinity and its finding are shown in Willson’s play “Fences” through overcoming fences, however high they may be.
• Comparing Troy Maxson (“Fences”) and Walter Lee Younger (“A Raisin in the Sun”) This paper compares characters from “A raisin in the Sun” and “Fences” – two plays that show African-American families dealing with their daily hardships and tensions.
• Position Paper About the Play “Fences” In the current research paper, the main aim is to answer the question of which conflict does August Wilson uses most to drive the other elements of the story in the play “Fences”.
• Overcoming Fences in August Wilson’s Play This article is a review of August Wilson’s most famous work, Fences, which explores the life and relationships of the Maxson family.
• “Fences” by August Wilson – Drama Analysis In his compelling masterpiece, the fence, August Wilson describes the lifestyle of blacks amid a foreign land.
• Troy Maxson’s Character in August Wilson’s Fences Troy Maxson from August Wilson’s play Fences embodies the African American experience of racial prejudices and blatant racism.
• Racism Against Afro-Americans in Wilson’s “Fences” Play Fences is a play by August Wilson, an American playwright, a Pulitzer’s laureate, who wrote about the life of African Americans in different periods of the 20th century.
• Wilson’s “Fences” Play and the American Dream This paper includes a brief analysis of Wilson’s Fences with a focus on the challenges of African Americans’ lives in the USA of the 1950s.
• Social Problems in Wilson’s “Fences” Play People who have been subjected to social oppression have a good chance of developing mental health problems in the future.
• Characters in the Play “Fences” by August Wilson This paper explores how Cory, from “Fences”, son of Troy and Rose, has avoided following in his father’s footsteps and learned to manage his anger and bitterness in finally forgiving Troy.
• Comparing Wilson’s “Fences” and Miller’s “Death of a Salesman”
• Fences: August Wilson’s Depiction of African-American Women
• “Fences” by August Wilson: The Relationship Between Cory and Troy
• August Wilson’s “Fences”: An African-American Family in Mid-20th Century Pittsburgh
• Fathers, Sons, Law, and Grace in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Examining Double Consciousness in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Hardships, Family Relationships, Insanity and Death in Two Renowned Dramas: “Fences” by Wilson and “Death of a Salesman” by Miller
• Fences: Father-Son Relationships
• Troy and Cory Maxson’s Relationship in “Fences” by August Wilson
• August Wilson’s “Fences” and the True Protagonist
• Fences: The Never-Ending Conflict
• Conflict and the Flaws of Troy in “Fences”, a Play by August Wilson
• Failing Father and Son Relationships in “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller and “Fences” by August Wilson
• How Grammar Impacts Meaning in “Young Goodman Brown” and “Fences”
• Relationships, Racism, and Drama in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Conflict and Lack of Love Between Troy and Cory in the Play “Fences” by August Wilson
• Troy’s Battle With Anger in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• The Importance of Family Conflict in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Unfencing the Fence: The Wife as Mediator in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• The Failure of the American Dream in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• August Wilson’s “Fences” and Symbolism
• Troy’s Ideology and Occupation in “Fences” by August Wilson
• August Wilson and the Building of Fences
• Literary Work and Social Commentary in “Fences” by August Wilson
• Separation in the Play “Fences” by August Wilson
• August Wilson’s “Fences”: Feeling Sympathetic to Cory
• Sublimation and the New Culture in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Money From Someone Else’s Fortune in “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry and “Fences” by August Wilson
• Baseball as History and Myth in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Racial Discrimination and Identity of African Americans in the Play “Fences” by August Wilson
• How August Wilson Uses Symbolism in “Fences”
• The Link Between Sports and Success in “Death of a Salesman” and “Fences”
• Good Sight and Stubbornness in “Fences”
• Fences: Quotes and Symbols in Relation to the Play’s Drama
• Sports vs. the Parent-Child Relationship: Gurinder Chadha’s “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Fences” by August Wilson
• The Souls of Black Folks in August Wilson’s “Fences”
• Symbolical Meaning Behind the Title of “Fences” by August Wilson
• The Mistakes of Our Fathers: Analysis of “Fences” by August Wilson
• Character and Setting Analysis of August Wilson’s Play “Fences”
• August Wilson’s “Fences”: The African-American Women’s Pursuit of Dreams Seen From the Perspectives of Rose Maxson

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This essay topic collection was updated on June 22, 2024 .

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Essay Samples on Fences

A comparative analysis of "fences" and "death of a salesman".

August Wilson's "Fences" and Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" are two iconic plays that delve into the complexities of human relationships, aspirations, and the pursuit of the American Dream. This essay offers a comparative analysis of these two works, highlighting the similarities and differences...

• Comparative Analysis
• Death of a Salesman

Fences Directed by Denzel Washington

The movie fences is a movie that was produced and directed by Denzel Washington and carries many themes with it. “Fences” takes place in the 1950s in Pittsburgh. The movie portrays various themes such as family dynamics, personal truths, the power of forgiveness. Troy Maxson,...

• Movie Summary

Fences: Fight for the Rights of African Americans in Racist Society

Throughout many century racism is tremendously an issue to African American. African American have struggled a lot in America as they went from slavery to segregation and still till these days they do not look like others even after all people fighting for American American...

• African American

Troy Maxson Character Analysis in August Wilson's Novel Fences

In 1983, one of the most influential American Theater writers, August Wilson introduced his literature masterpiece Fences. Based in the nineteen fifties it brings the viewer through a realistic and depressing story of African Americans in that time period. The Troy Maxson character analysis essay...

• Character Analysis

The Use of Symbolism and Imagery for Characterisation in "Fences"

August Wilson chose to write a play known as “Fences” in 1985. “Fences” is a story about a former baseball player that got into some trouble as a teenager and was sent to jail for fifteen years and became a waste management professional (garbage man)....

• Imagery in Literature

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Fences by August Wilson: Insight into an Ordinary Man's Life

One of the hallmarks of good plays is their timelessness. Well-scripted plays tend to endure for very long periods and to remain relevant in their portrayal of the issues that affect people in their everyday lives, as well as to address themes that remain pertinent...

• Civil Rights Movement

Generational Struggles of African-Americans in Fences

Fences successfully depicts the strenuous life of one African-American family during the 1950s and 1960s. This moving play is impactful because the playwright August Wilson uses tragedy to facilitate his message and example of how one family, after generations of failure, achieve success despite racial...

Historical Background Behind August Willson's Fences

Life changing historical events like the Civil War, the Great Depression, both world wars, and the Civil Rights movement have helped to influence major literary movements. And these literary movements take a lot from then current world events that later influence and become major themes...

• Great Depression

Characteristics Of Troy In August Wilson's Play “Fences”

August Wilson’s play “Fences” is about how Troy Maxson plays the victim role. Troy shows and expresses how his life was growing up and express everything in baseball terms. Troy is in a world where he feels he does not belong; things do not always...

Best topics on Fences

1. A Comparative Analysis of “Fences” and “Death of a Salesman”

2. Fences Directed by Denzel Washington

3. Fences: Fight for the Rights of African Americans in Racist Society

4. Troy Maxson Character Analysis in August Wilson’s Novel Fences

5. The Use of Symbolism and Imagery for Characterisation in “Fences”

6. Fences by August Wilson: Insight into an Ordinary Man’s Life

7. Generational Struggles of African-Americans in Fences

8. Historical Background Behind August Willson’s Fences

9. Characteristics Of Troy In August Wilson’s Play “Fences”

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

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Summary and Study Guide

August Wilson’s play Fences premiered in 1985 at the Yale Repertory Theatre and was published the following year. It opened on Broadway in 1987 with James Earl Jones in the role of Troy. It was the third play to premiere of Wilson’s Century Cycle, although it is the sixth play chronologically. The Century Cycle, also known as the Pittsburgh Cycle, consists of 10 plays, one set in each decade of the 20th century. Each play has an all-Black (or nearly all-Black) cast and focuses on the historical evolution of the experience of African Americans. Of the 10 plays, nine take place in Pittsburgh, and one ( Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom , 1984) is set in Chicago. Wilson won his first Pulitzer for Fences as well as a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award. The 2010 Broadway revival featured Denzel Washington as Troy and Viola Davis as Rose , roles they reprised in the 2016 Academy Award-winning film adaptation of the play.

Fences is set in 1957, 10 years after Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball and in the midst of the civil rights movement in the United States. Schools had only been legally desegregated since 1955, and in 1957, the Little Rock Nine were not allowed to integrate into a White school until President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent federal troops to accompany them. Rosa Parks’ protest and the lynching of Emmett Till occurred in 1955. The Civil Rights Act was signed into law in 1957, making it federally illegal to suppress voter rights, but for African Americans, opportunities for advancement remained scarce. Discrimination was still legal in employment and housing, and schools in Black areas were much less funded than White schools, making it very difficult for African Americans to receive a proper education and escape poverty.

Plot Summary

Troy Maxson was once a great player in the Negro baseball leagues, but he was not allowed to join the major leagues because he was Black. He left home when he was 14 after a confrontation with his abusive father. Troy fathered his first son, Lyons , and then spent 15 years in prison after a killing someone during a robbery. When the play opens in 1957, Troy is 53 years old and working as a garbage collector. He has just recently caused a stir at work by asking why Black men are not allowed to drive the trucks and filing a complaint with the union. Troy’s wife, Rose, informs Troy that their son, Cory , has caught the eye of a college football recruiter, but Troy is adamant that his son will not endure the same heartbreak that he did by attempting to play professional sports. Troy feels like a failure because at 53, he was only able to afford a house because his brother, Gabriel , received money after he was injured and brain-damaged fighting in World War II. Gabriel believes wholeheartedly that he is the angel Gabriel, carrying a trumpet that he expects to need one day.

Dissatisfied with his settled life, Troy begins an affair with a woman whom he eventually impregnates. Additionally, Troy commits Gabriel to a hospital, something he has been resisting for years. Troy’s mistress dies in childbirth and leaves Troy to raise their daughter with a wife who is devastated by Troy’s betrayal. Troy refuses to speak to the recruiter or allow Cory to play football, so Cory graduates from high school with bleak prospects and no chance to go to college. Cory finally challenges his father, and the violent confrontation ends with Cory leaving home. The final scene takes place in 1965 on the day of Troy’s funeral. Cory returns home, now a colonel in the Marines, and meets his half-sister for the first time since she was an infant. The family is free of Troy, but Cory learns that his father is a part of him that he can never escape. Gabriel blows his horn to open the gates of heaven so Troy can finally rest.

Fences addresses the struggles of a Black father who feels cheated by life because racism and segregation have kept him from reaching his full potential. The play remains Wilson’s best-known work and is partially autobiographical. It is about the inheritance of generational trauma and the way one damaged Black man tries not to follow in his abusive father’s footsteps, only to inflict the same abuse and damage on his son. It is also about the choice to break the cycle in an evolving world, and the potential of one generation to rise above the last. The play shows that growth and change take time but are possible. 

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American Literature

Fences Essay Prompts for AP Literature: Symbolism, Complexity, and Conflict

Description

Enhance your AP Literature curriculum with these comprehensive essay prompts centered around August Wilson's renowned play, "Fences." These prompts are designed to challenge students to delve deeper into the text, examining symbolism, character complexity, and the thematic role of conflict. Perfect for in-class assignments, assessments, or individual study, these prompts encourage critical thinking and literary analysis skills.

Essay Prompt #1: "Unveiling Symbolism in 'Fences'" Unlock the layers of symbolism within 'Fences' by selecting a key symbol from the play. Through close analysis, explore how this symbol functions within the narrative, uncovering its significance beyond its literal representation. Dive into the depths of character development and thematic exploration, revealing the profound insights it offers into the work as a whole. This prompt demands thoughtful interpretation and goes beyond mere plot summary.

Essay Prompt #2: "Navigating Character Complexity in 'Fences'" Embark on a journey of understanding complex characters within 'Fences.' Choose a character whose behavior is contradictory or inconsistent, and dissect the intricacies of their portrayal by August Wilson. Through a meticulous examination of literary elements and techniques, elucidate how Wilson crafts this character's complexity, shedding light on their motivations, conflicts, and relationships. This prompt encourages students to analyze character dynamics with nuance and depth.

Essay Prompt #3: "Exploring Conflict in 'Fences'" Enter the world of 'Fences' where conflicts abound—be they marital, societal, racial, or interpersonal. Select a central conflict from the play and embark on a literary exploration of how August Wilson masterfully employs various elements and techniques to convey its function. Uncover the layers of tension, explore the ramifications of discord, and delve into the thematic resonance of conflict within the narrative. This prompt challenges students to dissect the intricacies of conflict while appreciating its role in shaping the story's trajectory.

Elevate your students' understanding of literature with these thought-provoking essay prompts tailored for AP Literature. Engage in rigorous analysis, foster critical thinking skills, and deepen comprehension of August Wilson's masterpiece, 'Fences.' Whether used for individual reflection or classroom discussion, these prompts provide a springboard for insightful literary exploration.

Grab this comprehensive set of essay prompts today and empower your students to unravel the rich tapestry of 'Fences' in new and profound ways!

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Fences by August Wilson Critical Essay

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Introduction

Works cited.

August Wilson was born in Pittsburgh’s Hill district in 1945 to a white father and a black mother which was certainly not a promising start in his life. His racial identity caused him quite a number of misfortunes inherent within the trans-racial culture of slavery and discrimination.

In historical sense, the play eluminates the inherent inequality of power between black communities and the white supremacies and ways in which racism has become internalised by invading the social fabric of our communities. In the play, “Fences” by August Wilson, the character of Troy Maxson portrays a man that has a lot of hard times in his past, especially when it came to his father. Because of it, it has turned him into a man incapable of showing love to his own children and in the end a tragic figure.

The book’s title “Fences”, offers a central metaphor for the play in exploring lives and relationships of black families back in 1950s as slaves to the white men. Troy, a major character in the book, is fiercely proud of his ability to provide for his family, a responsibility he effortlessly tries to instil into his son’s life who is otherwise determined to find a place in the college league.

Racism and discrimination becomes the centre stone of our analysis by providing the metaphoric activity of the play which however illustrates the distinct relationships that existed between the black and white cultures in 1950s.

For nearly two decades, Troy worked as garbage man alongside Bono. Together they hauled junk on the alleys and neighbourhoods, and later applied for a promotion which was not an easy task due to the white supremacy but got it anyway as a garbage truck driver, a career that symbolically separated him from American community (Wade 1).

To answer the question of fractured relationship between Troy and his son, Troy’s inability to secure a chance in Negro Baseball Team due to racism crippled his future of ever having money or fame associated with it. Since he now works as a garbage man, he sees no hope for his son’s promised college scholarship in a league he considered dominated by the white culture. He asks Cory to instead consider getting a job or help out in the household chores than bartering up in the league.

Troy and Bono narrates the story of their childhood in the South and their difficult relationships with their fathers and how Negro League scaled down his life time dream to fit a rich man’s society into a run-down yard, an experience he never wishes his son Cory to encounter.

He’s been seriously scarred by the 1950s racism that loomed black communities. Brutality can also be portrayed when Troy’s father severely beat him when he found him with a girl and even raped the girl, reflecting conflict and abuse within the play (Fisherman 15).

Due to slavery, Troy and his son, Cory, interpret life differently because of their histories. For instance, Troy discourages his son from participating in the college’s football team arguing that his past racism experience discriminated him against the league for being of the minority culture.

And Cory should not experience the same hardship, disappointment and rejection he encountered. Corry, however, dismisses his claim by arguing that life has changed since he played. He therefore goes ahead and provides examples of successful African American athletes Wilson mentions as “The Braves got Hank Aaron and Wes Covington. Hank Aaron hit two home runs today. That makes fourty-three” (Act One scene three).

And Cory responds by saying that “Hank Aaron aint nobody” (Act One, scene three). It’s evident that if Troy would accept this change in the world would mean accepting his own misfortune. Their different perceptions of history provide a conflict that drifts away the father and son relationship.

Troy looks back at his past experience in the Negro League baseball with repulsive resentment that locked him out of the major league’s money and fame; an experience Zirin considers “turned his scars into wips” (1).

Due to is past experiences that never achieved him higher status in the social society, he insist on Troy returning to work and earn his way up in academic career because he sees employment to be fair and honest rather than risking his chance in the college league that is dominated by the powerful majority group. He is sure, sooner or laiter, that they will want him out of the league. And it was this discrimination that made him defiance.

In historical perspective, Cory sees life the way it is; a changing world that is gradually accepting a place for talented black players like him, but Troy’s irrational hypocrisy illustrates conflicting interpretation of history.

His hardened perception of the past makes him refuse to see the college recruiter coming to seek his permission for Cory to join the college football. He considers his selfish decision as protection, a strategy that clearly holds back a promising future for the son he believes to be protecting (Wilson Act One scene five).

Dr. Shannon argues that Wilson book “Fences” has contributed greatly to the historical legacy of African American tradition in relation to slavery and racism. She continues that the play provide themes that cut cross the contemporary social issues inherent within the slavery period.

She adds that the book lets the readers talk openly about unemployment, discrimination, pain, resignation and dislocation and exposes the long held stereotypical myths and views white people have against blacks. She also uses the book to lecture in seminars on social relevance of the books themes in today’s society (Shannon 3).

Fences by August Wilson re-writes the history of African American in the United States that was otherwise ignored by a vast majority of historical writers. By confronting horrors of slavery, the play uncoils the stories that were forgotten and misrepresented by writers who only read about them but did not have the experience Wilson had. The play brings the past to the present and it is without doubt the most remarkable healing therapy for African American would need to burry the past and move forward.

Which brings us to the question why Troy Maxon’s past made him so harsh towards his son? To answer this question, we consider his painful past experiences he never wishes to pass on to his son, however, it should be noted that his experience only relates to history and should not come in the way of his next generation’s success. By refusing Cory to join the college football league only kills his son’s good future he considers protecting either than bettering it.

Fisherman, Joan. “Developing His Song: August Wilson’s Fences.” August Wilson: A Case Study. Ed. Marilyn Elkins. New York: Garland, 1994.

Shannon, Sandra G. The Dramatic Vision of August Wilson. Washington, D.C: Howard UP, 1995.

Wade, Bradford. “August Wilson’s Fences”. Character and Setting Analysis. 2003: 1 Wilson, August. Fences: A play. New York: Plume Books, 1986.

Zirin, David. 2005. “Tribute to August Wilson: Breaking Down Fences”. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2018, June 29). Fences by August Wilson. https://ivypanda.com/essays/fences-by-august-wilson/

"Fences by August Wilson." IvyPanda , 29 June 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/fences-by-august-wilson/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Fences by August Wilson'. 29 June.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Fences by August Wilson." June 29, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/fences-by-august-wilson/.

1. IvyPanda . "Fences by August Wilson." June 29, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/fences-by-august-wilson/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Fences by August Wilson." June 29, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/fences-by-august-wilson/.

Here Are The Colleges With The Most 2024 Olympic Medals—And What To Know About Them

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PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 2: A general view of Hoover Tower through the arches of the Main Quadrangle ... [+] on the campus of Stanford University before a college football game against the Oregon Ducks on October 2, 2021 played at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which concluded this week, showcased not only the incredible talents of athletes from around the world, but also the American universities where many of them trained for their successes. From exceptional programs in swimming and gymnastics to track and field, certain colleges have consistently produced Olympians who go on to achieve extraordinary success—both during and after their collegiate careers.

Whether you hope to join the ranks of Olympic athletes or simply dream of donning your school colors and cheering your classmates on to gold, here’s what you need to know about the U.S. colleges and universities whose athletes took home the most medals in Paris this summer:

Stanford University

Number of Medals: 39

Notable Athletes: Brody Malone (Gymnastics), Asher Hong (Gymnastics), Katie Ledecky (Swimming)

What to know about the school: Stanford University is known as one of the most prestigious universities in the nation; it is consistently ranked as a top ten school by U.S. News and World Report , ranking third in 2024. But academics is not the only area in which Stanford excels. With a litany of Olympic champions, the university has made a name for itself with student-athletes. Prior to this Olympic Games, the school boasted 296 medals from 177 medalists, including Katie Ledecky , the most decorated American female athlete in history. This summer marked a record-breaking year for Stanford athletics, taking home the most medals of any university and breaking their all-time record for most medals won in a single Olympic Games.

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University of California, Berkeley

Number of Medals: 23

Notable Athletes: Ryan Murphy (Swimming), Abbey Weitzel (Swimming), Jack Alexy (Swimming)

What to know about the school: UC Berkeley, also known as Cal, is another highly ranked institution for both academics and athletics. With an impressive array of over 300 degree programs across 15 colleges and schools, the university offers a rich and diverse environment where students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and challenge themselves—whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the pool. The school’s athletic program, particularly in swimming, has produced numerous Olympians and medalists. This year, the school sent 59 athletes to the Games and earned 23 medals; tying with its already existing record of 23 medals. This number brings the school to 246 all-time Olympic medals, with 126 golds.

University of Texas, Austin

Number of Medals: 16

Notable Athletes: Scottie Scheffler (Golf), Ryan Crouser (Shot Put), Julien Alfred (Track & Field), Kevin Durant (Basketball)

What to know about the school: Established in 1883 , UT Austin has grown into a leading public research university with a diverse student body of over 50,000 students from all 50 states and 130 countries. The university has a vibrant sports culture that has consistently produced dozens of top-tier athletes. While the university has a history of Olympic excellence, with 162 athletes having earned 156 medals prior to this summer, the Paris Olympics saw a historic delegation from the school, with 30 UT-affiliated athletes competing. UT saw particular success in Track & Field, with the talents of Julien Alfred and Ryan Crouser captivating viewers from around the world.

University of Southern California

Number of Medals: 15

Notable Athletes: Rai Benjamin (Track & Field, formerly UCLA), Anna Cockrell (Track & Field)

What to know about the school: The University of Southern California holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by any U.S. institution, having earned 326 medals prior to the 2024 Olympic Games. This summer, USC saw particular success in water polo, with USC-affiliated athletes winning gold, silver, and bronze for Spain, Australia, and the U.S.A., respectively. The Trojan spirit , characterized by a deep sense of community and loyalty, permeates every aspect of campus life at USC, encouraging students to excel not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal, professional, and athletic development.

University of California, Los Angeles

Number of Medals: 14

Notable Athletes: Jordan Chiles (Gymnastics), Tom Daly (Diving)

What to know about the school: The #1 ranked public university in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report , the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a highly sought-after institution for its academics—but UCLA is also an athletic powerhouse, boasting 284 Olympic medals in total. In addition to the high-profile wins of Jordan Chiles (who announced her intention to return to UCLA to compete following the Olympics) and Tom Daly, UCLA also saw Olympic success in Track & Field and water polo.

University of Virginia

Notable Athletes: Kate Douglass (Swimming), Gretchen Walsh (Swimming)

What to know about the school: Consistently ranked in the Top 5 athletic standings in the NCAA and with 750 student athletes competing on 27 varsity teams, University of Virginia is a hub for excellence both on and off the field. UVA is yet another U.S. school to dominate in the pool during the 2024 Olympic Games, taking home three gold medals in the women’s 4x100 meter relay, one in the mixed 4x100 meter relay, and another in the 200 meter breaststroke. In total, 11 of the 14 medals earned by Cavalier athletes were in swimming events. Given that UVA-affiliated athletes earned 10% of the medals won for Team U.S.A. during the Games, this summer is likely to boost the university’s recruiting efforts—particularly drawing new students into the pool.

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