Analysis of August Wilson's 'Fences'
August Wilson's 'Fences' is a seminal work of American drama, celebrated for its powerful depiction of the African American experience in the mid-20th century. This essay explores the play's thematic depth, focusing on the symbolic significance of the fence, the historical context of the post-World War II era, and the complex character of Troy Maxson. By examining these elements, we can gain a richer understanding of the play's enduring message about family, race, and the pursuit of dreams.
Thesis and Central Argument
The central thesis of this analysis is that August Wilson's 'Fences' utilizes the literal and symbolic construction of a fence to represent the multifaceted struggles of African Americans in the post-WWII era, particularly concerning themes of confinement, protection, and the elusive nature of freedom. The play argues that societal barriers, compounded by individual psychological defenses rooted in historical injustice, often prevent true familial connection and personal fulfillment, trapping characters within cycles of bitterness and unfulfilled potential.
Symbolism of the Fence
The fence is the play's most dominant symbol, operating on multiple levels. Initially, it represents Troy's desire to protect his family from the outside world, a tangible manifestation of his role as provider and protector. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that the fence also serves to isolate the Maxson family, particularly Troy himself, from genuine emotional connection. Rose’s poignant observation that she wants the fence to keep people in, rather than out, highlights this duality. It symbolizes the barriers Troy erects due to his past traumas and his fear of vulnerability, ultimately confining his family and himself within a space of emotional stasis and resentment. The unfinished nature of the fence throughout much of the play mirrors the unresolved issues and emotional distance within the family.
Historical Context and Racial Injustice
The play is firmly rooted in the socio-historical context of 1950s America, a period of significant transition for African Americans. While the war had ended and economic opportunities were theoretically expanding, systemic racism and discrimination remained pervasive. Troy's experiences in the segregated Negro Leagues, where his talent was undeniable but his path to professional advancement was blocked, are a direct consequence of this historical reality. His frustration at being passed over for a promotion at the sanitation department, from loader to driver, further underscores the persistent racial barriers. Wilson uses Troy's personal grievances to reflect the broader struggle for dignity, equality, and opportunity faced by African Americans during this era. The play illustrates how these external oppressions shape internal lives and familial dynamics, creating a legacy of hardship and unfulfilled aspirations.
Character Analysis: Troy Maxson
Troy Maxson is a character of immense complexity and contradiction. He is a proud, hardworking man who has endured significant hardship, yet his pride often morphs into stubbornness and his desire for control leads to destructive behavior. His unfulfilled dreams, particularly in baseball, have left him embittered and fearful of further disappointment. This fear manifests in his overbearing nature towards his sons, Cory and Lyons, and his infidelity with Alberta, which serves as an escape from the realities of his life and his inability to confront his own emotional pain. Troy's dialogue often reveals his deep-seated anger and his struggle to reconcile his experiences with his responsibilities. He is a tragic figure, a victim of circumstance and his own internal demons, whose actions, while often misguided, stem from a place of profound pain and a desperate attempt to assert agency in a world that has consistently denied him respect.
Character Analysis: Rose Maxson
Rose Maxson serves as the moral and emotional anchor of the play. She is a devoted wife and mother who embodies resilience, love, and unwavering hope, even in the face of Troy's transgressions. Her desire for the fence to be an enclosure of love and unity, rather than a barrier, starkly contrasts with Troy's motivations. Rose's powerful monologue in Act II, where she confronts Troy about his affair and his emotional neglect, is a pivotal moment. It reveals the depth of her sacrifice and her profound disappointment, yet also her enduring capacity for forgiveness and her commitment to her family. She represents the strength and perseverance of Black women who often bore the emotional labor of maintaining family stability amidst societal pressures and personal hardship.
The Role of Gabriel
Gabriel, Troy's brother, adds a layer of spiritual and existential commentary to the play. His mental state, a result of a severe head injury sustained during World War II, allows him to speak in fragmented prophecies and pronouncements. He believes he is St. Peter, holding the keys to the Pearly Gates, and his interactions with Troy often carry a prophetic weight. Gabriel’s presence highlights the lasting human cost of war and societal neglect. His eventual departure, wandering off with his trumpet, suggests a form of liberation or transcendence that Troy himself is unable to achieve. The silent trumpet, a symbol of his lost musical aspirations and connection to a past vitality, ultimately sounds at the end, potentially signaling a resolution or a call to remembrance.
Dramatic Structure and Dialogue
Wilson's masterful use of dialogue is central to the play's power. The language is rich, colloquial, and deeply evocative, capturing the rhythms and nuances of everyday speech within the African American community of the time. The conversations are not merely exposition; they reveal character, advance the plot, and explore complex themes. The play's structure, unfolding over several years, allows for the examination of the long-term consequences of the characters' actions and the gradual erosion of familial bonds. The cyclical nature of the dialogue, with recurring motifs and phrases, emphasizes the persistent struggles and the difficulty of breaking free from established patterns.
Revision Opportunities and Deeper Interpretation
While the play is widely acclaimed, further analysis could explore the nuances of Troy's motivations beyond simple bitterness. Was his desire to prevent Cory from experiencing similar athletic disappointments a form of twisted protection, or primarily an expression of his own wounded ego? Examining the subtle shifts in Rose's agency throughout the play could also yield deeper insights. Additionally, a comparative analysis with other works in Wilson's 'Pittsburgh Cycle' might illuminate how 'Fences' contributes to his broader exploration of the African American historical experience. Considering the play through a lens of post-colonial theory, focusing on internal colonization and the psychological effects of systemic oppression, could offer a fresh perspective on Troy's character and his relationship with his family.
Troy's assertion that 'Death ain't nothing' illustrates his bravado and his attempt to assert control over the ultimate unknown, a control he lacks in other areas of his life. This line, delivered with characteristic bluster, reveals his deep-seated fear of mortality and his struggle to confront his own vulnerability. However, this same bravado masks a profound inability to connect emotionally, as seen when Rose confronts him: 'You Troy Maxson. You Troy. You my husband. I married you. I knowed you when you was... I knowed you.' Her plea for him to acknowledge their shared history and his identity beyond his grievances underscores the emotional distance he has created, a distance symbolized by the unfinished fence.