Exploring Themes of Control, Race, and Family Dynamics in August Wilsons Fences

Abstract

Mini Research Essay: August Wilson Fences Introduction August Wilson (1945-2005) is a renowned American author for his influential works that explored African American experiences. Wilson grew up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District an area that significantly influenced his writing especially the Ten-Pay Cycle which features the “Fences.” Wilson remains as a celebrated figure for his contributions to the African American theatre. One of Wilson’s literatures is the Ten-Play Cycle which features ten district plays with each set in a different decade within 20th century. All of these plays explore African American experiences most especially in [City, State] revolving around family, identity and race themes. The Ten-Play Cycle analyses the evolution of the African American throughout the 20th century. “Fences” is the sixth play within the Ten-Play Cycle set in the 1950s with Troy Maxson as its protagonist. Wilson explores the protagonists’ struggles with unfulfilled dreams, racism and strained relationships with his son Cory and wife Rose. As the title of the play, “fences” symbolizes the psychological and emotional barriers that the protagonist constructs around self and his family as the play digs deeper into analyzing race, family and generational conflicts. Throughout the “Fences”, Wilson expresses Troy’s urge to control lives of Rose, Cory and Gabriel and in return, contrary to Troy’s expectations, these victims expressed improved control of their own lives by the end of the play. The “Fences” revolves around Troy Maxson a former Negro League Baseball Player currently working as a garbage collector who attempts to control lives of those around him as expressed in Rose’s life who later expresses improved control over Troy’s demands. One can argue that throughout the play, this protagonist tries to ensure that Rose has no say over her life as makes decisions without her consent. For instance as an expression of disregard for Rose feelings and her autonomy, Troy betrays their love by impregnating Alberta and demanding Rose to take the surrogacy title to the baby girl after Alberta’s death during delivery. Such control is an expression of selfishness and limited respect or value for Rose as a woman, a wife and mother to their boy. “I can’t have nobody’s child by you. That’s the only thing I got to have that ain’t gonna take from me and give to you. ” These are sarcastic words that Troy utters to Rose to show her limited control over his demands promising to control Rose’s reproductive choices as well as her autonomy. Though painful, Rose expresses submissiveness as a wife and a woman to match the assumed gender roles during that era and such a positive attitude equips her with strengths to improve her control over Troy. “Rose agrees to raise the child for Troy, but places severe restrictions on their relationship: From right now, this child got a mother but you a womanless man” (Shannon, 3). One can argue that Rose declaration to Troy’s demand to raise the semi-orphaned child as her own is a clear demonstration of her regained control over her maternal responsibilities and life regardless of how inhumane Troy behaves. Rose understands her role as a woman and a mother towards those that relies on her but is tired of manipulations from her husband thus decides to set boundaries for a smooth life. It is open that Troy tried so hard to control Rose and in one way or the other succeeded but such controls did not limit Rose urge to prove her value as a Black woman during the 1950s era. The submissiveness of Rose towards Troy demands reflects respects for masculinity as demanded during the era while her improved control reflects the value of woman’s worth regardless of how the society perceived the female gender. As an expression of dominance and authority as the head of the family and household provider, Troy pieces of advice towards Cory remains grounded on realism to express his defined control over his own blood. Troy makes sure that Cory maintains his job and successfully completes his house chores before engaging in any recreational activity and incase of failure he is very quick in punishing Cory. As the financial provider of the family he demands conformity from his son teaching him the need to have priorities by distinguishing the necessities from luxuries in life. Unfortunately, Troy prevents Cory from pursuing a college football scholarship assuming that the sport world remains rigged against black athletes thus tries to shape the sons life based on his experiences without minding his feelings towards such controls. “The only chance you got Cory is the chance you take. Go see the recruiter, get a trade. Learn how to fix cars or build...