A towering fence looms over the backyard of Troy Maxson’s home in Pittsburgh, an inescapable symbol of the literal and figurative barriers that encircle him. In August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Fences,” the fence serves as a constant reminder of Troy’s struggle to build a better life for himself and his family in a society that repeatedly denies him opportunities and recognition. As the play unfolds, the fence becomes a tangible representation of Troy’s complex relationship with his loved ones and the community around him.
For Troy, the fence is not just a physical structure meant to keep people out, but also a psychological barrier that shields him from the pains of his past and the uncertainties of his future. The fence, therefore, symbolizes his unyielding sense of control over his life and his refusal to let anyone, including his wife and sons, dictate his actions or opinions. In turn, the other characters in the play react to this unyielding edifice in different ways, with some accepting it as a fact of life while others attempt to undermine it in hopes of finding common ground with Troy. Ultimately, the fence serves as a potent metaphor for the emotional walls we erect around ourselves as we navigate the complexities of life.
Historical Context of African American Struggle in the 1950s and 1960s
In the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans faced systemic racism, segregation, and discrimination. The Civil Rights Movement was a time when individuals, organizations, and communities challenged racial injustice and fought for equal rights. This was a time when African Americans had to fight for their right to vote, for access to education, and for basic human rights. The struggle for civil rights was a complex and multifaceted endeavor, and it was not limited to any one group of people or any one geographic location. African Americans across the United States were fighting for their rights during this time.
- The Civil Rights Movement was a grassroots movement that emerged in the 1950s and reached its height in the 1960s.
- This was a time when African Americans faced systemic discrimination and racism.
- The movement sought to achieve equal rights and to end segregation and discrimination.
The struggle for civil rights was not limited to political and legal action. African American writers, musicians, and artists used their work to challenge stereotypes and redefine their place in American society. The movement also inspired international solidary, with individuals and organizations around the world supporting the cause and pushing for change.
Fences by August Wilson is set in the 1950s and follows the life of Troy Maxson, an African American man who is struggling to provide for his family. The fence that Troy is building in the play serves as a metaphor for the barriers that African Americans faced during this time. The fence is both a physical barrier that keeps people out and a symbolic barrier that represents the systemic racism and discrimination that African Americans faced.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Brown v. Board of Education | 1954 |
| Montgomery Bus Boycott | 1955 |
| March on Washington | 1963 |
The struggles of African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s were an important part of American history and culture. The Civil Rights Movement paved the way for changes in society and inspired future generations to continue to fight for equal rights for all individuals.
The Segregation of African Americans in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, during the mid-twentieth century, was a city that was divided by color. African Americans were discriminated against in various aspects of life, such as access to education, healthcare, and housing. The segregation that African Americans faced was symbolized by the fence that the protagonist, Troy Maxson, builds around his house in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Fences. The fence represented the physical and emotional barriers that African Americans faced in their daily lives.
What Did the Fence Represent?
- The fence represented the separation between African Americans and White Americans. It showed the inequality in the treatment that both races faced in Pittsburgh.
- The fence represented Troy’s desire to protect his family from the harsh realities of the outside world. He knew that his family would never be accepted by the White community, so he built the fence to keep them safe.
- The fence represented Troy’s conflicting feelings towards his own identity as an African American. He was proud of his heritage but resented the inequality and discrimination that came with it.
The Impact of Segregation on African Americans
The segregation of African Americans in Pittsburgh had a significant impact on their lives. They faced discrimination in various aspects, such as access to education, healthcare, and housing. African Americans were denied the opportunity to live in certain areas of the city, which resulted in them living in overcrowded and poor-quality housing. They were also denied the opportunity to attend certain schools, which limited their access to education.
The segregation of African Americans had a significant emotional impact as well. They were constantly reminded that they were not equal to White Americans. They had to deal with the constant microaggressions, racism, and discrimination that came with being Black in America. This led to feelings of inferiority, anger, and frustration.
The Symbolism of the Fence
The fence that Troy builds symbolizes the emotional and physical barriers that African Americans faced. Troy builds the fence to protect his family from the harsh realities of the outside world, but in doing so, he also creates a barrier between himself and his family. The fence serves as a reminder of the racism and discrimination that they face daily.
| Symbolism of the Fence in Fences | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The fence | A symbol of the physical and emotional barriers that African Americans faced in Pittsburgh. |
| The height of the fence | A symbol of the level of protection that Troy wants to provide his family. |
| The opening in the fence | A symbol of the possibility of change and the potential for breaking down barriers. |
The fence in Fences represents the struggles that African Americans faced during the mid-twentieth century. It is a poignant symbol that highlights the emotional and physical barriers that existed between African Americans and White Americans in Pittsburgh.
The Role of Baseball in African American Communities
In August Wilson’s Fences, baseball plays a crucial role in the lives of African Americans in the 1950s. The game of baseball is a symbol of hope, ambition, and equality within a community that faced significant challenges during that time.
- Baseball provided a sense of unity to the African American community. It was a sport that brought people together, regardless of age, race, or social status. Baseball games were a way for African Americans to socialize, connect with others, and establish a sense of identity.
- Baseball was a way for African Americans to challenge the barriers and dehumanization imposed on them by the society. African American baseball players had to endure a lot of discrimination and segregation, even from other baseball players. However, despite the challenges, many African American baseball players thrived, becoming celebrated figures in the community. Baseball games served as a platform for African Americans to showcase their talents, proving that they were equal to their white counterparts.
- Baseball was an opportunity for African American parents to teach their children important life lessons. The fathers in Fences use baseball as a way to teach their sons about responsibility, hard work, and discipline. By urging their children to practice and become better players, they instilled in them important life skills that they could then apply to all aspects of their lives, both on and off the field.
Moreover, baseball was a way for African Americans to escape the harsh realities of their daily lives. In Fences, the character Troy Maxson sees baseball as a way to escape the emotional pain and bitterness he feels in his relationships and work life. His affection for baseball comes from memories of his youth, where he was a talented player with dreams of playing professionally. Baseball represents a time when Troy felt hope for the future, and it brings him back to that place of hope, even if only briefly.
| Player | Team | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|
| Jackie Robinson | Brooklyn Dodgers | 1962 |
| Satchel Paige | Negro National League | 1971 |
| Larry Doby | Cleveland Indians | 1998 |
In conclusion, baseball played a significant role in the lives of African Americans during the 1950s and beyond. It symbolized unity, hope, and ambition, and it was a way for African Americans to challenge the societal norms that dehumanized them. It provided an opportunity for valuable life lessons and served as an escape from the harsh realities of everyday life. The legacy of baseball in the African American community lives on today, with African American baseball players continuing to challenge and excel in the sport.
The Father-Son Relationship in Fences
At the heart of Fences is the complex relationship between Troy Maxson and his son, Cory. Through this relationship, the play explores themes of fatherhood, legacy, and the impact of past trauma on the present. One recurring symbol in this dynamic is the fence that Troy is building around the family’s yard.
- The fence symbolizes Troy’s attempt to define and protect his space, both physically and emotionally. As he tells his best friend Bono, “That’s what fences is for. Keep the things in that belong to you and keep the things out that don’t.”
- However, the fence also represents the ways in which Troy’s desire for control and authority limit his son’s freedom and potential. Troy insists that Cory abandon his dreams of football for a “real” job, and his refusal to sign papers allowing Cory to play in college becomes a major source of conflict.
- The father-son relationship in Fences highlights the generational gap between the “old school” values of Troy’s generation and the aspirations of young African Americans growing up in a changing world.
Through Troy and Cory’s struggles, August Wilson paints a nuanced portrait of the tension and love that can exist between fathers and sons.
In addition to the fence motif, Wilson also uses a powerful scene near the end of the play to illustrate the emotional stakes of fatherhood. As Troy’s brother Gabriel, a traumatized World War II veteran, is taken away to a mental hospital, Troy grapples with his own legacy. He admits that he hasn’t been the perfect father, but insists that he has always tried to do right by his family. As he reflects on his own life and legacy, the play reminds us that the relationships we form with our children have the power to shape us in ways we cannot even imagine.
The Father-Son Relationship in Fences: Troy and Cory
Troy Maxson is a complex character whose past trauma and limited worldview often clash with his son Cory’s youthful optimism. Throughout the play, their relationship is strained by Troy’s controlling nature and Cory’s desire to pursue his dreams.
One of the ways in which Troy’s authoritarianism manifests is through his insistence on building a fence around the family’s yard. For Troy, this fence represents his need to protect his family and define his own space. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that the fence is also a symbol of Troy’s insecurities and his fear of the outside world.
| Quote | Analysis |
|---|---|
| “That’s what fences is for. Keep the things in that belong to you and keep the things out that don’t.” | Troy explains his philosophy of fences to his friend Bono, highlighting his need for control and order in his life. |
| “I don’t want you to be like me! I want you to move as far away from my black *** as you can get. You’re living with a full-grown man, now (…) I ain’t gonna be nobody’s baby any more.” | After Cory confronts Troy about his refusal to let him play football, Troy reveals his own lingering bitterness about how his dreams were dashed by racism. In this moment, he tries to distance himself from his son, but also shows how his own past traumas still shape his thinking. |
| “I done stepped over my bounds with you, Cory. I should have never let you get this far.” | Troy finally admits to Cory that he has held him back because of his own fears and insecurities. This moment of vulnerability shows the complexity of their relationship and the power of old wounds to shape our actions. |
Throughout Fences, Troy and Cory’s relationship is a powerful reminder of the ways in which our family ties can both support and strain us.
The Significance of Gabriel’s Trumpet in Fences
Gabriel’s Trumpet is a recurring symbol in August Wilson’s play Fences. It represents many things throughout the story, including hope, freedom, and the possibility of redemption. However, the most significant significance of Gabriel’s Trumpet comes from its association with Gabriel, a character in the play who embodies innocence and the inability to fully comprehend the world around him.
- The trumpet represents Gabriel’s desire for redemption and salvation. Gabriel is an innocent character who believes that the sound of his trumpet will eventually open the gates of heaven and allow him and his loved ones to enter. This belief is shown in the play when Gabriel is seen walking around the streets blowing his trumpet in hopes of ushering in a new world.
- The trumpet symbolizes hope for a better future. In the play, Gabriel is shown as the one who brings hope to the characters, especially Troy. Troy, who is consumed by his struggles and losses, is given hope by Gabriel’s trumpet, which he believes will bring about a change in their fortunes.
- The trumpet is a symbol of freedom. Gabriel’s trumpet represents the freedom that African Americans have fought for throughout their history. Through the trumpet, Gabriel is able to express himself, his hopes, and his dreams without any restrictions or limitations.
Gabriel’s Trumpet plays a pivotal role in the play Fences. It is a reminder that redemption, hope, and freedom are still attainable, even in the face of overwhelming struggle and adversity.
Moreover, the symbolism of Gabriel’s Trumpet is further emphasized by the fact that Gabriel is a character who has been wronged by society. He was injured in World War II and suffered mental instability as a result. Gabriel’s innocence and vulnerability further highlight the meaning of the trumpet and its symbolism of hope and redemption. Gabriel’s need for salvation through the trumpet represents the broader need of African Americans to find salvation against a system that has been rigged against them for centuries.
The Significance of Gabriel’s Trumpet in Fences
The trumpet is a recurring symbol in the play, and its significance is emphasized through Gabriel’s character. Gabriel’s innocence and vulnerability make him the perfect vessel for such a symbol. Through the trumpet, Gabriel represents the hope and redemption that African Americans have been seeking for generations.
Furthermore, the trumpet also symbolizes the importance of expressing one’s thoughts and emotions in a world that often tries to suppress them. Gabriel’s trumpet represents the freedom to express oneself without any limitations or restrictions.
The trumpet is also significant because it highlights the tension between tradition and modernity. Gabriel’s trumpet is a symbol of tradition, an instrument that has long been associated with African American music. However, it is also a symbol of modernity, as Gabriel uses it to express his hopes and desires for a better future. In a sense, Gabriel’s trumpet represents the intersection of the past, present and future.
Overall, Gabriel’s Trumpet is a powerful symbol in the play. It represents hope, redemption, freedom, and the ability to express oneself without any limitations or restrictions. Its association with Gabriel, an innocent and vulnerable character, further emphasizes its symbolism and importance in the play.
The Significance of Gabriel’s Trumpet in Fences
The trumpet symbolizes many things in the play Fences. However, its significance is most apparent in the character of Gabriel, who embodies the trumpet’s meaning and symbolism.
Moreover, the symbolism of the trumpet is further emphasized by the fact that Gabriel uses it to express himself. Gabriel’s trumpet represents the freedom to express oneself without any limitations or restrictions. It also represents the importance of speaking out and being heard, especially in a world that often tries to silence marginalized voices.
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| Hope | The trumpet represents hope for a better future, both for Gabriel and for African Americans as a whole |
| Redemption | Gabriel’s desire for redemption is symbolized by his search for heaven through the sound of the trumpet |
| Freedom | The trumpet represents the freedom that African Americans have fought for throughout their history |
| Expression | Gabriel’s trumpet symbolizes the importance of expressing oneself without any limitations or restrictions |
Overall, Gabriel’s Trumpet is a powerful symbol in Fences. It represents hope, redemption, freedom, and the ability to express oneself without any limitations or restrictions. Its association with Gabriel, an innocent and vulnerable character, further emphasizes its symbolism and importance in the play.
The Portrayal of Women in Fences
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful play that explores the African American experience in the 1950s. The play depicts the struggle of a black family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as they try to come to terms with their past and present. Through the portrayal of women in Fences, Wilson highlights the ways in which black women were marginalized in society during this time period.
The character of Rose Maxson is a pivotal figure in the play. As the wife of Troy Maxson, she plays a significant role in helping him come to terms with his past and present. Throughout the play, Rose is depicted as a nurturing and supportive figure who holds the family together. However, despite her important role in the family, she is often overlooked and disregarded.
- Women were viewed as inferior to men in society, and this is reflected in the way that Rose is treated by her husband.
- For example, Troy has an affair with Alberta, another woman, and impregnates her, which results in the birth of a child. This act of infidelity not only destroys Rose’s trust in Troy but also undermines her role as a wife and mother.
- Rose’s revelation of Troy’s affair showcases the lack of respect and value placed on women within the context of Fences.
Moreover, the character of Raynell, Troy’s illegitimate daughter, also highlights the marginalization of women in society. As a child born out of wedlock, she is faced with societal pressures and stigmatization. However, throughout the play, Raynell is depicted as a symbol of hope and redemption, highlighting the resilience of women during this time period.
In conclusion, through the portrayal of women in Fences, August Wilson explores the ways in which women were marginalized in society during the 1950s. Despite the fact that women played pivotal roles in the family, they were often overlooked and disregarded. Wilson’s depiction of women in Fences serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by black women during this time and highlights the importance of acknowledging their role in history.
The Use of Symbolism in Fences
August Wilson’s play “Fences” premiered on Broadway in 1987, and since then, it has become a classic in American theater. The story revolves around Troy Maxson, a former baseball player who now works as a garbage collector in Pittsburgh. One of the most prominent literary devices in the play is symbolism, and perhaps the most significant symbol is the fence that Troy is building throughout the entire story. Here’s a closer look at what the fence symbolizes in “Fences.”
The Number 7
- Troy mentions that he has been with Rose for 18 years and, before that, he had been with another woman for 18 years.
- In baseball, 3 strikes mean the player is out, and Troy mentions that he fought with Death for three days and three nights before he became Death’s friend.
- Gabriel’s trumpet will “blow on the judgment day,” which is the seventh day, according to Christianity.
The number 7 is a recurring motif in “Fences,” and it holds a significant significance in many cultures and religions. The number represents completeness, perfection, and wholeness, and it is often associated with the divine realm. Wilson uses the number 7 in several instances throughout the play to highlight the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death.
Troy’s relationship with Rose and Alberta lasted for 18 years each, which adds up to 36, a multiple of 7. By mentioning this detail, Wilson suggests that Troy’s life has been predetermined, and his fate is beyond his control. Similarly, Troy’s fight with Death lasted for three days and three nights. Three is also a significant number in Christianity, symbolizing the Holy Trinity and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. By struggling with Death for three days, Troy is going through a spiritual battle, and he ultimately surrenders to his fate.
Gabriel’s trumpet is yet another example of the number 7 in the play. Gabriel is Troy’s brother, who suffered a head injury during World War II and now believes that he is the archangel Gabriel. According to the Bible, Gabriel will blow his trumpet on the seventh day, signaling the end of the world and the beginning of the eternal judgment. Gabriel’s trumpet has a redemptive quality, as it represents the chance for salvation and resurrection.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The fence | Troy’s desire for security and stability |
| Baseball | Troy’s unfulfilled dreams and lost potential |
| The devil | Troy’s inner demons and struggles with morality |
| Gabriel’s trumpet | The chance for redemption and salvation |
The use of symbolism in “Fences” is a testament to August Wilson’s mastery of storytelling. Through powerful imagery and metaphors, he crafts a complex narrative that tackles universal themes such as family, race, and mortality. The fence symbolizes Troy’s desire for security and stability, but it also represents the barriers that separate him from his loved ones and his dreams. The number 7 adds another layer of meaning to the play, underscoring the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The Psychological Effects of Racism in Fences
August Wilson’s play, Fences, examines the life of an African-American family in the 1950s and the impact of racism on their lives. The fence, which is a recurring symbol in the play, represents the barriers and limitations that racism puts on the characters. Here we will explore the psychological effects of racism in Fences.
The Fence Symbolism
- The fence symbolizes the barriers that Troy and his family faced in the society. It represents the racial discrimination they suffered, and the way it limited their lives.
- Troy, the protagonist of the play, built the fence around his house to establish a sense of ownership and control over his surroundings. However, the fence also isolates him and his family, and it highlights the division and conflict between them.
- The fence also symbolizes the emotional barriers that Troy has built around himself due to his traumatic experiences of racism. It represents his fear and mistrust of others and his inability to connect with his family and community.
The Impact of Racism on Troy
Racism has a significant impact on Troy’s life and personality. He grew up in an era of segregation and discrimination, which shaped his worldview and limited his opportunities.
Troy’s experiences with racism have caused him to be resentful, bitter, and untrusting. He has a deep-seated anger towards white people and the system that oppresses African-Americans. This anger affects his relationship with his family, friends, and colleagues.
Troy’s struggles with racism have also influenced his parenting style. He has a tough-love approach with his son, Cory, which is rooted in his fear that Cory will face the same discrimination he did. Troy’s fear for Cory’s future causes him to limit Cory’s opportunities and prevent him from pursuing his dreams.
The Effects of Racism on the Family
The impact of racism is not limited to Troy; it affects his entire family. Troy’s mistrust towards white people and the system causes him to distance himself from his family, which creates a barrier between them.
Racism also affects the relationship between Troy and his son, Cory. Troy’s fear for Cory’s future causes him to project his own limitations onto Cory, and he prevents Cory from pursuing his dream of playing football. This causes tension and conflict between them and creates a rift in their relationship.
Racism in Fences
| Racism | Description |
|---|---|
| Segregation | The separation of African-Americans and whites in public spaces, schools, and neighborhoods. |
| Discrimination | The unfair treatment of African-Americans in jobs, housing, education, and other areas. |
| Racial violence | The physical and emotional harm inflicted on African-Americans by white people and the system. |
Racism is a pervasive theme in Fences, and it affects every character in the play. It highlights the racial injustices that African-Americans faced in the 1950s, and how it prevented them from achieving their full potential. Wilson’s play shows how racism creates emotional and psychological barriers that are difficult to break, and how it can have a lasting impact on individuals and families.
The Tragic Hero in Fences
In August Wilson’s play, Fences, the protagonist, Troy Maxson, embodies the characteristics of a tragic hero. A tragic hero is a literary figure who commits a mistake or flaw that leads to their downfall. The tragic hero possesses admirable traits, but also has a tragic flaw that inevitably leads to their destruction. The play follows the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player, and his family in 1950s Pittsburgh. Throughout the play, the fences that Troy builds around his home become a recurring symbol that represents the different aspects of his life.
- The Number 9: In the play, the number 9 is mentioned several times, and it becomes a significant motif that symbolizes the main character’s struggles. At the beginning of the play, Troy mentions how he dreamed about his father who had eight children, and he becomes the ninth child. The significance of the number nine is also highlighted when Troy tells his son Cory that he is not to touch the football field until he has finished his chores around the house. Troy interrupted Cory during his practice, and he was kicked out of the team. According to Troy, Cory could have gone professional and become the ninth black player in major baseball leagues following in the footsteps of Jackie Robinson.
The repetition of the number nine captures the limitations that Troy faces as an African American in the mid-twentieth century. Troy’s attempt to keep his son from playing football is rooted in the unfairness he experienced during his baseball career. Troy was an exceptional baseball player, but he was never given the opportunity to play in the major leagues because of his race. Troy became disillusioned with the game and felt that he wasted his talent. To him, the ninth black player was a symbol of hope and opportunity.
August Wilson’s Writing Techniques in Fences
August Wilson’s iconic play, Fences, is a powerful and thought-provoking work that examines complex issues of race and family in the United States. One of the most significant literary devices Wilson employs in the play is symbolism through the fence. Here, we take a closer look at what the fence symbolizes in Fences.
The Fence as a Symbol of Division and Separation
- At its most basic level, the fence in Fences is a symbol of division and separation. Throughout the play, the physical barrier represents the emotional and psychological walls that exist between the characters, particularly the protagonist, Troy Maxson, and his family.
- The fence is a constant reminder of the barriers that exist between the characters, both in terms of their surface-level relationships and their deeper, more complex emotional connections.
- Despite the fence being built to keep things out, or people in, its ultimate effect is to create distance and alienation, as opposed to building bridges and emotional connections.
The Fence as a Symbol of Protection and Safety
While the fence is predominantly seen as a symbol of division and separation, it also serves as a symbol of protection and safety throughout the play. Troy and his family feel that the fence provides them with a sense of security and safety from the dangerous and uncertain outside world.
The Fence as a Symbol of Cultural Identity
Finally, the fence in Fences serves as a powerful symbol of African-American culture and identity. Wilson uses the fence to represent a physical manifestation of a people who have been historically oppressed and denied their own autonomy and culture.
| Fence Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Division and Separation | The fence represents the emotional and psychological walls that exist between the characters. |
| Protection and Safety | The fence is a symbol of security and safety from the dangerous and uncertain outside world. |
| Cultural Identity | The fence represents a physical manifestation of a people who have been historically oppressed and denied their own autonomy and culture. |
In conclusion, August Wilson masterfully uses the fence as a symbol in Fences to represent complex themes of division and separation, protection and safety, and cultural identity. Through this powerful metaphor, Wilson succeeds in exploring the complex themes of race and family in the United States, and the impact of historical oppression on individuals and communities.
FAQs about What Does the Fence Symbolize in Fences
Q: What is the fence in Fences?
A: The fence referred to in the title of August Wilson’s play Fences is the fence that the protagonist, Troy Maxson, is building around his yard.
Q: What does the fence symbolize?
A: The fence symbolizes the literal and figurative barriers that Troy creates between himself and his loved ones, as well as the societal racism that he faces.
Q: How does the fence represent Troy’s relationships?
A: The fence represents the emotional walls that Troy puts up between himself and his family, particularly his son Cory.
Q: How does the fence represent racism in Fences?
A: The fence represents the societal barriers that African Americans faced during the time period in which the play is set, such as segregation and limited opportunities for advancement.
Q: What is the significance of Troy’s obsession with building the fence?
A: Troy’s obsession with building the fence reflects his desire to maintain control over his life and his family, even as his relationships begin to unravel.
Q: What role does the fence play in the overall themes of Fences?
A: The fence serves as a powerful symbol of the ways in which societal barriers can impact individual relationships and families, as well as the complexities of human emotions and desires.
Q: How does the fence evolve throughout the play?
A: The fence starts as a physical project for Troy, but as the play progresses, it becomes a metaphor for the emotional barriers that exist between him and his family.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for reading about what the fence symbolizes in Fences. This play is a powerful exploration of the ways in which societal and emotional barriers can impact individuals and their relationships. We hope you’ll come back to learn more about literature and theatre in the future!