Introduction to Themes in “Fences”
The most controversial themes in “Fences” shows the reason that it has raised a brouhaha in literary circles about critiquing it. It has a host of themes interwoven so beautifully in it that every sort of audiences see their own representation in it. Not only has he presented a stark reality of the situation in which the b**cks used to live, but also presented the worst sort of treatment they used to face from the elite circles, the whites. Much of the conflict in the play takes place between characters of the same family, which does not complete and stays “half” as “Everybody got different fathers and mothers” (Fences 2030), Rose says that she is baffled and “Can’t hardly tell who’s who” (2030) at home. Similarly, Troy seems to say that he should be treated as a “boss” (2021) to Cory, his son, who does not give due regard to his advice regarding his career. This conflict between father and son, then between father and mother, and then at the end between mother and son creates several fences within the play. Some themes in “Fences” comprise his African-American experience or racial discrimination, strained relations between the father and the son, and metaphorical interpretations of fences as boundaries to keep a firm hold on families.
Political Themes in Fences”
During his interview, Wilson stated, “all art is political. It serves a purpose” (Sarvron 1988) by which he means that politics and political issues are always a theme in plays and literary pieces. It means there are various themes in “Fences”. For example, his idea was that Africans living in America should give due regard to the fact that “we must know our past” (Wilson qtd. Sarvron 289) which he demonstrates through is the character of Troy when he relates the whole history of his father, how he was kicked and whipped, and did whipping to his own father in return and left home at only 14. The African American culture of that time when “Fences” was written has been amply displayed not only through the representation of the garbagemen but also through their living and their household conditions. It was the racial discrimination that they met everywhere in every field of life – be it career or games. Had Troy been white, he would have made a name in baseball. He did not see any point in Rose’s logic “Times have changed from when you was young” (Fences 2017) because he know what still Cory, as a n**ger, would have to do double effort as compared to the his white colleagues. He knows that “The white man ain’t gonna let you get nowhere with that football noway” (2015) because it was based on truth as an African American negro. He even lashed at the entities controlled by all whites such as games, garbage management, urban areas, creditors and mortgage executives, and even law. It is because it does not go out of his memory how hard struggle he waged against this system to stay at a place but that too at the price of half blown head of his brother, Gabriel. It was sheer his perseverance and sincere responsibility that he was teaching his son to get out of this past to succeed in the world (Shannon).
Themes in “Fences” about Strained Relations
However, in this background, the strained relations between father and son, Troy and Cory, are other themes in “Fences” that make it interesting in that the father, a giant man, is trying to force down his ideas into the throat of his son, Cory, who is now studying at different times. He has been offered a place in the school team, but his father knows that as a b**ck, he would not succeed. He should rather learn some skills and do something valuable that he should not be a garbage collector in his life. When Cory tries to argue with him, he is silenced with “You are a bigger fool than I thought” (Fences 2015), advising him to “You go on and learn how to put your hands to nobody take away from you” (2018), by which means him to learn some skill to become valuable, which he cannot clearly make his young son understand. Troy knows that “The colored guy got to be twice as good as he get on team” (2014) but Cory has a different idea. A fight and conflict ensued between them when Troy returned the offer of football, while Cory refused to join A&P. Both had a brawl and ultimately Cory had to leave. In fact, by protecting his son’s future, Troy ruined his whole career (Arnold). It shows how themes in “Fences” about strained relations dominate the play.
Themes in “Fences” about Discrimination
In the background of this discrimination and strained relations, Rose, unconsciously, tries to hold the family together by building a fence in front of her house. This could be a metaphorical device used by Wilson deliberately to let the audience know that it is the women who try to keep the household together. Though the strong man has left the world for good, she still keeps her calm as she has a house now. For her, the fence is the thing that has held it together. Though the strong-headed Troy could not understand the logic behind this action of hers, the family man Bono knows that “Some people build fences to keep people [like Alberta] out ….and other people build fences to keep people [like Troy] in” (Fences 2027). However, Troy could not understand till the end. As she has got built that fence, at the end she knows that it is now her house, and she advises her son to attend his father’s funeral. Even Troy at one point knows the importance of this and says during his monologue “I am gonna build me a fence around what belongs to me” (2035) but it is too late now as Rose has asked him to go “womanless” (2036).
Conclusion about Themes in “Fences”
Concluding the discussion about themes in “Fences”, it could be said that the play is not only a representation of the racial discrimination of African Americans, but also a representation of their domestic life. It shows that they and their sons had virtually no or very less opportunities at that time. Even garbage collectors have tensions, conflicts, and ups and downs in life – a situation in which they are much alike the whites, where sons and fathers experience the same strained relations as happens in “The Death of Salesman” by Miller. It also is that the play metaphorically highlights the importance of fences as representing limits and boundaries, which keep the people and families stuck to each other in a household. The points Wilson has highlighted have universal appeals – the reason that “Fences” won such high accolades in the world of theaters. Despite this, it has a host of other themes too.
Works Cited
- Wilson, August. “Fences.” An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing. Ed. Kennedy X. J. & Dana Gioia. 3rd ed. Vol. 10. New York: Pearson Longman, 2007. 1966-2035. Print.
Relevant Questions about Themes in “Fences”
- How do the themes in “Fences” illuminate the characters’ experiences and relationships, particularly regarding the theme of race and racism, and what insights does the play provide into the African American struggle for equality during the 1950s?
- What is the significance of the themes in “Fences,” especially the theme of family, in shaping the character of Troy Maxson and his choices, and how does it reflect the complex balance between personal aspirations and familial responsibilities within the African American community?
- How do the themes in “Fences,” including dreams and aspirations as well as limitations and barriers, intersect to portray the challenges faced by African Americans in pursuing their dreams within a racially segregated society, and what commentary does the play offer on these themes?
