Fences
Story explores the lives of two African American friends, Troy and Bono and their families illustrating their struggles as they face discrimination and racism. ‘Fences’ is an educative story that story highlights the problems and struggles of a typical African American family under biased ideologies of racism. “Fences” is a good comical story that is engaging, but has a sad ending.
Wilson presents an interesting play that explores and gives equal advantage to all the characters by developing their roles through their struggles. Lyons, Troy’s son before getting married to Rose had never experienced the fatherly side of Troy. This is unlike Raynelle who is Troy’s child from his lucid extra-marital affair with Alberta. Raynelle plays the part of uniting Troy with his two sons even after his death (Menson-Furr 56). The story teaches on the significance of selflessness and love. This is evident Rose’s commitment for taking care of Raynelle despite the predicament surrounding her parents. The play eventually expounds on the ultimate role and need of a family while describing the importance of unity and perseverance. Wilson states, “When the sins of our fathers visit uswe do not have to play host.” In this context, the play focuses on the importance of forgiveness.
However, the play fails to follow up on the lives of both Cory and Lyons who were important characters in the book as the sons of Troy. Readers therefore, do not know if Cory developed his passion in football and built his dream career or be successful as per his desires. The death of Troy at the end of the book is also unexpected because it dismisses the likelihood of the reunion in the family. This is further challenged by the facts that Cory and Lyons return home only after the death of their father.
Work cited
Menson-Furr, Ladrica C. August Wilson's Fences. London: Continuum, 2008. Print.
