Day: February 8, 2024

Titles and Themes in Fences by August Wilsons

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

1. Wessling, Joseph H. “Wilson’s Fences.” The Explicator 57.2 (1999): 123-127.
2. 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

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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”?

Introduction: Uncle Vanya and Movie

Uncle Vanya and Movie, both, later adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s play, offer distinct interpretations of the timeless themes of love, longing, and disillusionment. The original “Uncle Vanya” was written by Anton Chekhov and first published in 1897. The original play was in Russian, though there have been translated adaptations such as the 1994 “Vanya on 42nd Street”. It was a revision of his own play, “The Wood Demon”, which had been published a decade earlier. Chekhov was arguably more successful with this adaptation than with the original. The fact that it was a remake made it unique, both because of the reduction from the original twelve cast members to a small, but still respectable, cast of nine. He also changed the ending from the suspenseful suicide to the now-famous failed homicide and altered the original happy ending to a less than ideal, temporary resolution. This radical change from his earlier works is part of what has many critics still scratching their heads over what caused this dramatic shift in Chekhov’s dramaturgical method. Regardless of how they felt about the sudden and successful revision of Chekhov’s earlier work, critics agree that Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” is a true masterpiece for the ages.

Vanya on 42^nd Street: Uncle Vanya and Movie

“Vanya on 42nd Street” is a modern film adaptation of the original 1899 play titled “Uncle Vanya”, written by Anton Chekhov. The reimagined film is an interpretive performance based on the English translation by David Marnet. Starring Wallace Shawn and Julianne Moore in the main roles, the film unfolds within the old New Amsterdam Theater, a rundown venue that has since been renovated by the Walt Disney Corporation. At the time of filming, the theater was dilapidated, with vermin damage and safety concerns limiting the actors and crew to the orchestra pit. Ironically, this decaying setting serves as the perfect backdrop for a story centered on themes of faded hope and lost opportunity. Additionally, the setting aligns with the film’s metatextual elements, reflecting the struggles of a Russian family on the cusp of a new century marked by political upheaval and the Industrial Revolution.

Uncle Vanya and Movie

In the movie, Wallace Shawn portrays the bitterly defeated Vanya, channeling a Brando-esque interpretation of Chekhov’s own words as he laments, “I coulda been a Schopenhauer, I coulda been a Dostoevsky.” The object of his amorous attentions is the lovely and young Yelena, played by Julianne Moore, who endures Vanya’s lecherous advances with derisive laughter while remaining faithful to her husband and Vanya’s own brother-in-law, Serybryakov. Serybryakov, portrayed by George Gaines, brings to mind his comedic performances in “Tootsie” as he delivers self-important orations. Serybryakov’s daughter, Sonya, played by another cast member, grapples with the limitations of her plain appearance while harboring unrequited feelings for the selfish and self-serving Dr. Astrov. Throughout the film, each actor methodically delves into the play’s thematic exploration of the elusive nature of happiness.

Uncle Vanya and Movie

The film commences amidst the bustling energy of 42nd Street, capturing the attention of passersby whose reactions range from curious glances to evident annoyance, thus imbuing the scene with the authenticity of a real-life situation where cameras are observed by the general populace. As the camera navigates the crowded street, it eventually zeroes in on the actors emerging from the nearby subway station. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the urban landscape, the actors engage in casual conversations, their camaraderie palpable, until the moment they collectively transition into their roles and the art of acting begins to unfold before the lens. This gradual shift from the mundane to the theatrical not only establishes the setting but also serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of performance, where ordinary individuals evolve into characters that captivate audiences with their emotional depth and narrative resonance.

Chaos in Uncle Vanya and Movie

The frenetic atmosphere depicted in the film serves to underscore the stark contrast between the chaotic urban environment of New York City and the artificial, almost surreal setting of the New Amsterdam Theater. Similar to Louis Malle’s masterful direction in “My Dinner with Andre,” “Vanya on 42nd Street” showcases Malle’s adeptness at capturing the essence of tightly enclosed spaces without drawing undue attention to his own role as the director. However, the expansive nature of the set inevitably leads to unforeseen incidents. One memorable mishap involved an “I Heart NY” coffee cup conspicuously placed on the family dining room table, momentarily disrupting the immersion of the scene. Additionally, a cast break occurring unexpectedly in the midst of filming served as an impromptu intermission, offering a humorous yet inadvertent interruption to the cinematic narrative.

Conclusion: Uncle Vanya and Movie

Notably, the segments outside of the play itself are executed with a self-referential skill that is completely absent when “Vanya on 42nd Street” is in progress. The opening sequence depicts the cast walking off into the crowd with the director in a manner reminiscent of a 90s sitcom. Despite numerous setbacks, including one cast member losing their sight, the director requiring quadruple bypass surgery, and the loss of another member’s wife, “Vanya on 42nd Street” truly lives up to its roots.

Works Cited: Uncle Vanya and Movie

1. Chekhov, Anton. Uncle Vanya. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.
2. Vanyan, Ksenia P. Translation and adaptation of Uncle Vanya. Diss. San Diego State University, 2010.

Relevant Question about Uncle Vanya and Movie

1. How does the portrayal of characters in the movie adaptation of “Uncle Vanya” compare to Chekhov’s original play?
2. In what ways does Ksenia P. Vanyan’s translation and adaptation of “Uncle Vanya” offer a fresh perspective on the themes and characters of the play?
3. How does the visual storytelling in the movie adaptation enhance or detract from the narrative depth of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya”?

Introduction: “Black Men and Public Spaces”

“Black Men and Public Spaces” by Brent Staples examines the pervasive stereotypes and prejudices faced by African American men in public settings. “Appearances can be deceiving,” as the saying goes, but for Brent Staples, these appearances have taken a harrowing turn, as he finds himself perceived as a menacing criminal during his nocturnal wanderings in both Chicago and New York. Despite his innocence, Staples recounts in this autobiographical narrative the pervasive stereotype that paints him as a threatening young African American, leading to fear and suspicion from others, including security personnel. He recounts his experiences in Chicago, reflects on his appearance, describes an incident in Manhattan, explores its impact on him, shares his coping strategies, and ultimately his final resolution. Through this essay, Staples portrays himself as a wise and cautious young man, forced to navigate a world where he is unjustly stereotyped, employing various strategies to ensure both his safety and the comfort of those around him, while also grappling with the larger implications of racial prejudice.

Brent Staples in “Black Men and Public Spaces”

Brent Staples portrays himself as a discerning young man who is acutely aware of the impact of his appearance. While studying in Chicago, he recounts an incident where he walks behind a white woman who perceives him as a threat and flees in fear, prompting Staples to recognize the role his African American identity and attire play in shaping perceptions. Another encounter, where he is pursued by the police and seeks refuge in his editor’s office, further solidifies his understanding that being perceived as “dangerous is a hazard in itself” (Staples). He realizes the inherent danger in being viewed as a threat, knowing that such perceptions could lead to police intervention or even violence against him. As a result, Staples adopts various strategies to navigate these situations safely.

Staples in “Black Men and Public Spaces”

Staples devises various techniques and strategies to navigate the challenges posed by others’ perceptions of him. Recognizing that he cannot alter his physical appearance, he adopts a strategic approach aimed at minimizing the perceived threat he poses. Understanding the power of first impressions, Staples decides to counteract stereotypes by whistling tunes from classical music, such as those by Beethoven and Vivaldi. Through this tactic, he aims to challenge the assumption that a criminal would not appreciate or engage with such refined cultural pursuits. By employing this strategy, Staples seeks to put others at ease in his presence and to prompt them to exercise caution, particularly in encounters involving law enforcement.

Carefulness in “Black Men and Public Spaces”

Staples demonstrates an acute sense of self-preservation, recognizing the inherent danger in being perceived as a threat by others, especially in the presence of law enforcement. He understands that his own safety is at risk if others view him as dangerous, prompting him to prioritize caution above all else. Aware of the potential consequences of panicking in such situations, Staples adopts a strategy of remaining calm and exceedingly cooperative when confronted by the police. This approach serves as a protective measure, as he understands that any deviation from a compliant demeanor could escalate the situation and potentially result in harm to himself. Thus, Staples emphasizes the importance of exercising caution and deferring to authority in order to safeguard his own well-being in precarious encounters.

Conclusion: “Black Men and Public Spaces”

In short, Staples exhibits a keen understanding of how to mitigate the negative perceptions associated with his presence, utilizing various strategies to project himself as non-threatening and to ensure his own safety, particularly in encounters involving law enforcement. By employing tactics aimed at pacifying and pleasing others, Staples effectively navigates the challenges posed by stereotypes and manages to keep himself out of harm’s way. Through his strategic approach, Staples not only safeguards his own well-being but also helps others feel at ease in his presence, counteracting the stereotypical image tied to him since childhood. While these interactions may not always be comfortable for Staples, his adept use of strategies allows him to navigate social situations with greater ease and ultimately promotes a sense of mutual survival.

Works Cited: “Black Men and Public Spaces”

1. Staples, Brent. “Black Men And Public Space.” Harper’s Magazine 273 (1986): 19-20.

Relevant Questions about “Black Men and Public Spaces”

1. How does Brent Staples in “Black Men And Public Space” shed light on the impact of racial stereotypes and prejudices faced by African American men in public environments?
2. In “Black Men And Public Space,” how does Staples navigate the complex interplay between personal experiences and broader societal attitudes towards black masculinity?
3. What strategies does Staples employ in “Black Men And Public Space” to challenge and confront the dehumanizing perceptions of black men perpetuated in public spaces?