Fences by August Wilson
Introduction
Rose is a depiction of a classic African American woman. She has devoted her life in serving as a committed wife to Troy although her life with this husband has not been fulfilling her desires. However, Troy has also established an affair with another lady. He cites his dissatisfaction with his married life as the reason for having an affair with another different woman. This move does not solve the predicament he faces. In fact, this exacerbates the situation given that the husband completely ignores his duties and responsibilities with regard to taking care of Rose. Troy stays put in the marriage while having an affair with another lady, Alberta .
It is interesting that Rose is aware of the separate affair her husband is having. In fact, she takes calls of Alberta from the hospital, in which she died while delivering a baby. She also accepts to take care of the child left behind by Alberta. She exhibits endurance and determination in her relationship with Troy. She states, “ The strength of not blaming the child is apparent, and it becomes known that this child will have as good a life as Rose can give her with no animosity or jealousy of the creation of the child”( Bogumil 57). Troy passes the responsibility of caring for the child of Rose hence he’s shown that he will be concerned with caring for Lyon, Cory and his wife, Rose. Is a cause of suffering, and it takes many forms like racism and masculinity. It is rife in the Fences play. For instance, Troy is concerned about the deliberate exclusion of him from a major base-ball match owing to the fact that he is a black. In addition, he informs his son Cory that the white people are so discriminatory. Troy knows that the white sabotage every effort of a black man in every sphere life. In this regard Troy tells his son Cory, “ the white man ain’t gonna let you get nowhere with that football no way.” (Menson-Furr, 39). The perception that the white are racists is an impediment in the development of the white in many aspects of life. In the above case, Troy discourages his son from pursuing his dream in the playing of his favorite game given his talent in the playing of the game. Moreover, he barred Cory from pursuing a college education. It has become a euphoria affecting many black people with regard to operating with the white in various fields. This belief makes Troy advice his son to just take casual jobs like carpentry. He remarks, “That way you have something can’t nobody take away from you.”( Menson-Furr, 16). Family relationships define the morality of every person in a family setting.
For instance, Troy praises his wife and confesses of his love for his wife, Rose. However, this claim is misleading because the same person cheats on this wife after pledging loyalty to her as the only person dear to his heart. This is manifest as Bono, Troy’s best friend, reveals Troy’s interest in another woman, Alberta. Indeed, Troy eventually admits to Rose, his wife, of having had an affair with Alberta. Moreover, he revealed that he was expecting a child with Alberta. This transpires as Rose stays faithful to Troy, which indicates his good morals as a stereotypical African woman. Ironically, Alberta dies in childbirth and Rose warmly takes the initiative of taking over the obligation of bringing up the child with Troy. She says, “From right now this child got a mother. But you are a womanless man.” (Shannon, 40). This depicts the resilience, patience and temperance of Rose. This character of Rose has propelled her family to great heights. For instance, it has enabled Rose tolerate the unethical behaviors of Troy hence a peacefully coexist with him. In addition, Troy expects his son to thrive and succeed in life and be more comfortable than him. In this regard, he remarks, “ I don’t want him to be like me! I want him to move as far away from my life as he can get” (Bogumil, 24). Use of symbols in plays makes the presentations more lively and interesting besides evoking creative thoughts among the readers. Wilson has clearly and appropriately employed symbolism in the play. The fence symbol usually represents safety or the absence of it. For instance, the relationship between Troy and Rose is a fence representation, which protects both of them from ‘intruders’. Troy also needs protection from death hence this is symbolized as a fence. Troy’s wife, Rose, is also seeking protection from Troy, whom he perceives to be immoral. In this regard he prays, “Jesus, be a fence all around me every day. Jesus, I want you to protect me as I travel on my way” (Menson-Furr, 34).
The animosity between Troy and Cory is based upon masculinity. Troy is trying hard to convince his son that he is the ruler of the family regardless of his shortcomings like promiscuity. Troy sabotages access of education by Cory on account of protecting him from the racism rife in the white school. He also exhibits his goodwill for Cory when he teaches him that he should be an emotionally stable man. The roles of the male in society with regard to the knowledge, power and technology within a society are many. Traditionally, the male gender was required by society to be a monopoly of knowledge on technology and any other issue regarding human welfare. This was presumed to be true whereas the female were considered to be inferior in many aspects like fending for the family and leadership in the family setting. Troy has proven to be zealous and optimistic of success despite the face of adverse situations. Having been left alone with her promiscuous husband, she managed to endure and persevere. Cory intended to further knowledge and advanced practice his knowledge in a higher institution of learning yet they lacked the goodwill of his father, Troy, to enable her to join such a white-dominated institution in the city. Moreover, Cory has a passion in studying yet their environment would not enable her to explore her intellectual potential in studies.
These adverse conditions are traumatizing to the extent Cory remarks, “ It’s a physical urge, stronger than thirst or sex. Halfway back on the left side of my head there is a spot that longs for the jolt of a bullet, that year for that fire, that final empty rip. I want to be let out of this cavern, to open myself up to the ease of not-living. I am tired of sorrow and struggle and worry. I am tired of my cruel father. ” (Shannon, 43). They encourage each other in other despite the fear of attack by thugs. This experience teaches the two brothers the benefits of hard work, fortitude, optimism and resilience in the face of calamity. They prove to be diligent and prudent given that they managed to agree on the best use of education and literacy. Lyons and Cory are likely to create a society which is accommodating to all people in all aspects. This owes to the fact that they have learnt the various roles which could only be performed by the male in the past. In addition, they have a passion in literature, teamwork and research. All these areas will enable them to influence and create an environment which will take care of the welfare of all classes of people within the society. For instance, they will ensure there is improvement of literacy levels within the society, their father will reform. For instance, the development of the family depends on Troy as the leader of the family. In this regard, development is an essentiality to the family’s welfare hence it should be considered as a priority in elevation of the living standards of the family of high desirable levels. The two sons of Troy have ravaged in poverty and misery because of lack of social amenities and infrastructure, and education. Indeed Eva wails, “Here I sit in the cave of a room where once, in another lifetime, I ate popcorn, played Scrabble, and watched videos with” (Wilson et al, 56).
Conclusion
Troy’s mission of establishing and succeeding in his career of playing baseball was barred by racism. On the other hand, Troy’s lifestyle negatively impacts all his family members. His wife endures many afflictions while his son Cory forgoes his college education because of his supremacy war. Troy’s lifestyle destroys the repute of the family given that he steals money from his incapacitated brother.
Works Cited
Bogumil, Mary. Understanding August Wilson. Columbia, SC: Univ. of South Carolina Press.
2009.
Menson-Furr, Ladrica C. August Wilson's Fences. London: Continuum, 2008. Print.
Shannon, Sandra Garrett. August Wilson's Fences: A reference guide. Westport, Conn:
Greenwood Press. 2005.
Wilson, August et al. August Wilson Century cycle. New York: Theatre Communications Group.
2007.
